Q: My child has a sudden fever of 38.7°C with only a mild runny nose. What could be the cause?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My child has a fever but no major symptoms like a severe cough. They rested well during the holidays and went back to daycare on Friday. The only thing I noticed is an occasional runny nose (not constant like a typical cold). This afternoon, my child's body felt warm, and tonight the temperature went over 38.5°C and kept rising. I just gave them a fever reducer at 38.7°C. What could be the cause? We are planning to see a doctor tomorrow.

Answer:

You must be worried because your child has a fever with almost no other symptoms. If the fever started after attending daycare, there are several possibilities.

Possible causes in the current situation:

• Early viral infection - Fever often appears first, followed by other symptoms 1-2 days later.

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Especially in girls, there may be no distinct symptoms other than a fever.

• Roseola (Exanthema subitum) - High fever lasts for 3-4 days, followed by a skin rash as the fever drops.

• Otitis media (Ear infection) - Young children who cannot express ear pain may only present with a fever.

Things to observe tonight:

→ Remeasure the body temperature 1 hour after giving the fever reducer.

→ Check their fluid intake and urine output.

→ Look out for unusual fussiness or lethargy.

→ Notice if the child is repeatedly touching their ears or shaking their head.

Make sure to mention these during tomorrow's clinic visit:

• Prevalent infectious diseases currently spreading at the daycare.

• The child's response to the fever reducer.

• The highest body temperature recorded overnight.

• Any changes in the color and odor of their urine.

⚠️ Go to the emergency room immediately if:

- A fever of 39.5°C or higher persists.

- The fever reducer has absolutely no effect.

- The child shows a decrease in consciousness or has a seizure.

- The child has not urinated for more than 8 hours.

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