Q: My 30-month-old has Mycoplasma and a 40°C fever. Fever injections only last 2 hours. What should I do?
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 30-month-old child has tested positive for Mycoplasma bacteria. They have been running a high fever of 39-40°C for a straight day and a half now. Every time the fever spikes, my child shivers uncontrollably with chills. Since my child strictly refuses oral medications, we have been getting fever-reducing injections on a schedule. However, the effect of the injection lasts less than 2 hours before the high fever shoots right back up. Is there really nothing else I can do? Fortunately, my child is still sleeping well.
Answer:
It must be very exhausting and worrying for you to manage such a high fever for a day and a half.
Current Situation Summary:
• Confirmed Mycoplasma infection + 39–40°C high fever + chills
• Fever-reducing injections are effective for less than 2 hours
• The child is currently sleeping well
Seek immediate medical re-evaluation if any of the following occur:
• The skin under the ribs pulls in when breathing, or you hear wheezing.
• There is no urination for more than 8 hours, or the lips and tongue are extremely dry.
• The child is lethargic, constantly lying down, or fails to make eye contact/respond normally.
• The child complains of chest or abdominal pain, or their cough suddenly worsens.
What you can do at home right now:
Hydration: Offer a sip or two of water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broth every 5–10 minutes. Preventing dehydration is your top priority.
Adjust clothing appropriately: Do not forcefully remove clothes or blankets while the child is having chills. However, once the shivering stops and the fever peaks, switch to light clothing to let the heat escape.
Re-try other forms of fever reducers:
Verify your child's exact weight and try administering oral Acetaminophen (10–15 mg/kg) or Ibuprofen (5–10 mg/kg).
If the child completely refuses syrups, consult your doctor about whether you can use fever-reducing suppositories (e.g., Acetaminophen suppositories).
Repeated injections can cause vascular irritation and pain over time, so relying on oral medications or suppositories is generally safer for ongoing fever management.
Check the antibiotics: Mycoplasma infections typically require specific antibiotics (such as Azithromycin). Ensure your child is taking the medication exactly as prescribed. Keep in mind that it usually takes 48–72 hours after starting antibiotics for them to take full effect and for the fever to break.
Since the Mycoplasma was confirmed at your current clinic, it is best to call them and update them on the situation. If it is currently nighttime or a holiday, an emergency room visit is always an option. However, if it has been less than 48 hours since starting the antibiotics, and the child is sleeping well and able to stay hydrated, following up with your pediatrician tomorrow morning is a very reasonable choice.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
