Fever with Antibiotics

Many times its viral and with this you tend to have fevers for a couple of days and the antibiotics will not help much with fever b, remember that fevers are part of your defense mechanism. his immune system is kicking in to help him get better. Just watch out for fevers close to 105, these are emergency room fevers and you need to look out for beginning stages of seizures with these fevers other wise let the disease process run his course. and take the full course of antibiotics.
GabiF, RN

Hi E.,

I hope your little one feels better soon!

I have a couple of thoughts: It could be a virus and not a bacterial infection, in which case antibiotics are useless. Without a culture, it is often impossible to tell the difference. In our culture antibiotics are despensed quite freely (to the detrement of public health) in order to make us feel safer.

The bacteria and viruses which thrive in our bodies thrive at 98 degrees or so. The body raises its temperature to make it a hostile environment to the invador. It is a very useful function of our immune system. A fever of under 102 is nothing to be alarmed about. Let it run its course. If it is a virus, there is nothing to be done for it anyway, save to quell the symptoms tylenol or motrin. My understanding is that it is not a good idea to try to lower a body temperature of under 102 as it is hindering the body's normal immune response.

It is also possible that you were prescribed an antibiotic for which this bacteria is immune. How are the nasal symptoms? If they are going away then do finish the course of the antibiotic. If that has not changed at all in 2 days then it is likely that the antibiotic is not having effect, due to a poor choice of antibiotic, resistance of the bacteria to the antibiotic, or the simple presence of a virus. Either way, do check back with his doctor and let the doc know that the treatment isn't working. S/he might prescribe a different treatment.

Hey E.,
It is pretty normal but I would just watch his fever to make sure it doesn't get worse or last a couple of days. The antibiotics should kick in soon. Make sure he is drinking plenty as well.

B.
www.MoreForMyBaby.com

It's absolutely normal. Just keep alternating the ibuprofen and tylonol. And try to keep him cool. No sleeper jamies, no heavy blankets and a little fan if desired.