Sudden fever in nearly 3 YO DS

[Kymberley]

DS has developed a 102.6 fever (ear temp) in the past few hours. I thought he was being defiant by not eating his dinner since he's eaten very well all day, but he asked me to hold him and his head is on fire! He's soaking in the tub ATM and he'll get tylenol before bed. Is it typical for a fever to hit to suddenly? This is the highest temp he's had. The only other symptoms I've observed are bloodshot eyes and a clear runny nose. He says nothing hurts but I'm not sure he understands what I'm asking. I guess I just need reassurance. DH is ticked at me because DS can't see his ped until Monday. Not sure how that's my fault, but whatever.

[elephantmeg]

yes, pretty normal IMO. My DD woke up with a fever today and is alternately listless on my lap and running full steam ahead today. She spiked at 103.1 this afternoon (when her motrin was due). I'm thinking just a virus.

[Kymberley]

yes, pretty normal IMO. My DD woke up with a fever today and is alternately listless on my lap and running full steam ahead today. She spiked at 103.1 this afternoon (when her motrin was due). I'm thinking just a virus.

Oh thank you. I hope your DD feels better soon. Whatever it is hit DS pretty hard. He crashed in my lap until his motrin kicked in.

[maiaann]

This is my favorite link regarding a fever:

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/childhood-illnesses/fever

Reassuringly, if the fever responds to treatment (advil/tylenol), it's a good sign the "bug" is not something serious. ;)

[Kymberley]

This is my favorite link regarding a fever:

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/childhood-illnesses/fever

Reassuringly, if the fever responds to treatment (advil/tylenol), it's a good sign the "bug" is not something serious. ;)

Bookmarking, thank you!

[Katigre]

I would also not advise treating the fever unless he is visibly uncomfortable - it's burning for a reason (to kill the virus/bacteria) and needs to do that work. The thinking on dosing for a fever has changed a lot in the past few years and our ped hands out a sheet and has it posted in her office about when to medicate a fever - the advice now is not until it's over 103 or if the child is visibly uncomfortable - that their demeanor is more important than the number on the thermometer.

[mikala]

I agree with the others that a sudden fever isn't especially alarming.

You may want to watch for mouth sores and a hand or foot rash. Hand, foot, mouth virus is sweeping through a few areas right now. It causes a sudden high fever and kids often don't want to eat because of the mouth sores.

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/childhood-illnesses/coxsackie-virus