Q: My older child has frequent headaches without a fever, and my younger child has Influenza A with a lingering cough.

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 3rd-grade child frequently complains of headaches without having a fever. I usually give them an over-the-counter pain reliever, but yesterday and today, the medicine hasn't helped, and the headache has lasted all day. Their overall condition is fine, and they don't have a stuffy nose right now, though they do have underlying allergic rhinitis. I am worried about giving them too much medication, but they cry if I don't give it to them because of the pain. Should we go to a large hospital for tests?

Also, my younger child recently caught Influenza A. They received IV treatment but weren't prescribed oral flu medication. They have been taking antibiotics for sinusitis, along with cough syrup and powder medicine, but those run out today. If they keep coughing, should we go back to the doctor for another prescription? Lastly, is it true that the flu isolation period ends after 24 hours without a fever? The nurse mentioned this during the IV treatment.

Answer:

It is completely understandable to be worried, especially when your older child's headaches persist despite taking pain relievers and your younger child is recovering from the flu.

Regarding the older child's headaches:

Recurrent headaches in children definitely require a proper medical evaluation. When you visit the clinic, it will be very helpful if you have observed and noted a few key details for the doctor: the exact location of the headache (forehead, sides, back of the head, or overall), when it usually occurs (morning, afternoon, or after specific activities), and whether there are any accompanying symptoms like vision problems or dizziness.

Possible causes for these headaches include:

1. Rhinitis-related: Sinus pressure can trigger headaches, even if nasal congestion isn't immediately obvious.

2. Tension headaches: These can be caused by stress, poor posture, or eye strain.

3. Migraines: It is entirely possible for migraines to begin at this age.

I highly recommend visiting a pediatrician for an accurate assessment. To assist with the diagnosis, consider keeping a "headache diary" to track the date, time, duration, pain intensity (on a scale of 1-10), and any potential triggers.

Emergency Warning: Please seek immediate emergency care if the child develops a sudden severe headache, vomiting, vision changes, or a decrease in alertness.

Regarding the younger child's Influenza A:

* If the cough continues, an in-person follow-up visit is necessary to assess the lungs and prevent any potential complications.

* Since their current sinusitis medications are running out today, you should see the doctor to get a continuous prescription for their symptoms.

* The nurse's advice regarding isolation was correct: the isolation period can safely be lifted once the child has maintained a normal body temperature for a full 24 hours without the use of any fever-reducing medications.

As actionable guidance, it would be very efficient to schedule an appointment to take both children to your pediatrician together so they can each receive the evaluations and continuous care they need. Hang in there!

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