Q: My child has a high fever after vomiting, and their enteritis marker is 0.98. Should we get a flu test?

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Question:

My child vomited after eating a few nights ago. The next morning, they developed a low-grade fever. Two days later at 3 AM, their fever spiked to 38.6°C (101.5°F), so I gave them a fever reducer. By 9 AM, it dropped to 37.1°C (98.8°F).

We did a blood test previously, and the enteritis inflammation marker (CRP) was 0.98. Can a level of 0.98 cause such a high fever? Also, the doctor didn't test for the flu back then because it was only a low fever. Should we get a flu test now, or wait a bit longer? Aside from a headache during the high fever, there are no other symptoms or pain. Will taking a fever reducer at 3 AM make a flu test inaccurate if we go to the clinic now?

Answer:

It is completely understandable that you are worried, especially since the symptoms have been ongoing for a few days.

Here is a quick summary of your child's current situation:

• 1 episode of vomiting followed by a low-grade fever, which later spiked to 38.6°C (101.5°F) before coming down with medication.

• A slightly elevated enteritis marker (CRP 0.98), with no flu test done yet.

• A headache was present only during the high fever, with no other discomfort.

Key Medical Points to Consider:

1. Enteritis Marker and Fever: A CRP level of 0.98 indicates a mild inflammatory response, which is commonly seen in the early stages of viral enteritis (stomach flu). This condition can indeed be accompanied by a high fever like 38.6°C.

2. Flu Test Timing: Taking a fever reducer does not affect the results of a flu test. However, the most accurate time to take a flu test is typically 12 to 48 hours after symptom onset. Testing too early or too late can sometimes result in a false negative.

3. Current Home Care Recommendations:

• Offer frequent, small sips of fluids (water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broths) to maintain hydration.

• Dress your child in light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

• Use fever reducers every 4 to 6 hours only if the child is in pain or uncomfortable.

• Continue keeping a symptom log (tracking body temperature, food intake, and urine frequency).

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

Please take your child to see a doctor today if any of the following occur:

• The fever rises above 39°C (102.2°F) or cannot be controlled with fever reducers.

• There is no urine output for 8 hours or more.

• Repeated vomiting prevents them from keeping fluids down.

• Your child becomes severely lethargic or difficult to wake up.

• They show signs of breathing difficulty or complain of chest pain.

• The headache worsens or is accompanied by a stiff neck.

Regarding the Flu Test:

Since it has been a few days since the initial symptoms started and a high fever episode has now occurred, a flu test can be considered today. It is highly recommended to consult your pediatrician, inform them of the recent high fever spike, and ask if a flu test is necessary based on current local flu trends.

It is best to contact the clinic you previously visited for a follow-up consultation. If it is after hours or the weekend, you can utilize a local urgent care center or an on-call pediatrician. For now, focus on hydration and careful observation, and seek immediate medical care if any of the warning signs listed above appear.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us