Q: My son has had a fever for 6 days after eating seafood, and his lymph nodes are swollen. Should we go to a larger hospital?
- Myeongchan Kim
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, 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 son attended a family gathering and ate some seafood. The timeline of his symptoms is as follows:
Day 1: Vomiting, chills, mild fever (37.7-38.3°C). Visited an outpatient clinic.
Day 2: Diarrhea, chills, mild fever (37.7-38.3°C).
Day 3: Chills, high fever (39.2-39.5°C). Received IV fluids at the clinic; flu tested negative.
Day 4: Chills, high fever (39.2-39.5°C).
Day 5: Chills, mild fever (37.7-38.3°C).
Day 6: Headache, mild fever (37.7-38.3°C).
Despite taking antibiotics, fever reducers, and prescribed enteritis medication, his fever has been fluctuating for six days, which makes me very worried. He tested negative for the flu, and there has been no diarrhea or vomiting for the past four days—only the fever remains. After the high fever started, the lymph node on the right side of his neck swelled up, and he complains of pain extending to his ear when swallowing. Should we go to a larger hospital for comprehensive tests if the fever and inflammation symptoms persist even after taking the local clinic's medication for a week? Please advise.
Answer:
A fever lasting for six days along with lymph node swelling suggests that the situation has likely progressed beyond simple enteritis (intestinal inflammation).
Current Situation Assessment:
Although his symptoms initially began as enteritis following seafood consumption, he currently has:
A persistent fever for 6 days ranging from 37.7°C to 39.5°C.
Swelling in the right lymph node accompanied by pain extending to the ear.
No significant improvement despite taking prescribed antibiotics.
Resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea and vomiting), but the fever remains.
Recommendations:
Do not wait; please visit the emergency room or the pediatric department of a larger hospital today.
Reasons for immediate evaluation:
A fever persisting for more than 6 days combined with lymphadenitis (swollen lymph nodes) requires further medical investigation.
It is necessary to rule out other conditions such as bacterial lymphadenitis, Kawasaki disease, or other underlying infections.
An accurate diagnosis through blood tests, ultrasounds, or other clinical evaluations is essential at this stage.
What to bring to the hospital:
The exact names and dosages of all medications he has taken so far.
A detailed record of his body temperatures.
Notes on how his symptoms have progressed over the past few days.
Prolonged high fever and swollen lymph nodes absolutely require comprehensive testing to pinpoint the exact cause. Please seek an in-person medical evaluation at a larger hospital as soon as possible.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
