Flu in 7 month old?

My daughter is 7 months old. She had been running a fever so I took her to her doctor. Her temp was 103.9. They did a nasal test and said she had the flu. Thry said the biggest concern was dehydration. I just took her temp rectally 30 min after giving her motrin and it was 104.5. I called her doc office to see what I should do, but they haven't returned my call yet. Is it normal for her fever to be that high with the flu? 1 1/2 weeks ago she had pnemonia and was given an antibiotic for that. She also now has an ear infection and was given a shot of antibiotics today. Should her fever be this high?

This flu that is going around comes with a fever of 103. or higher . My husband and I both had it. If you get to the doctor the first 24 hours they give you tamaflu. Your daughter is only 7 months I don't know if they can give her that. If she keeps running a fever give her a luke warm bath not hot not cold. Don't keep heavy covers on her this will make her temp rise. Keep giving her baby tylenol and alternate it with ibuprophen. If her temp does not come down you need to take her back to the doctor or take her to the ER. The flu does come with fluid on the ears and a real bad cough. My husband has had it for 1 week today and is still coughing, I have had it for 6 days and still coughing and my ear still hurts. Antibiotics will help the fluid in her ear but not the flu. Make sure she is drinking something like pedilite so she has liquids in her to keep from dehydrating you can also keep a cool wash cloth and wipe her down with that. Good luck and it should be over with in about a week. But please the little ones and the elderly really needs to have a close eye out because of the dehydration. Don't let that fever get any higher.

WARNING! >>> Motrin or any pain reliever or fever reducer should never be given to children except if approved by their doctor, and given strictly by the dose which the doctor approves.

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The doc could have checked her temp via her ear, and the rectum is always a degree hotter or so than the ear or forehead. Some docs are not concerned by fevers under 105, and some are. The flu can create VERY high fevers, even in adults. I had the flu once and my temp hit almost 106.. they told me to just stay in bed. Motrin lasts longer than tylenol, which is a plus - but both medicines take at LEAST 20 - 30 minutes to even start to kick in. The fluids are critical if she has the runs, or is throwing up, or not eating to much while she feels sick. (which is common)

Make sure she's in a loose or comfy 100% cotton onesie or clothing (you don't want her to over sweat or over heat). Keep the room at a normal and comfortable temp. Give her the fluids her doc reccomended (such as pediolite or sterile nursery water). Pay attention to see if you are holding her to much (which might keep her body temp raised since you are warm), make sure there are no drafts blowing on her or ceiling fans on (causes chills when the drafts hit the sweat or hot body), only use a thin blanket or sheet to cover her. o not bundle her all up if she seems cold, and don't strip her all down if she seems to warm. Fever constantly fluxes from chills to heat - so just keep her dry and comfy.

WARNING! >>> NEVER give an infant or small child Gatorade or sports drinks - the salt content and vitamin content is for adults only, and could seriously harm a childs liver or body.

Sometimes a trip to the emergency room can get you a doctor who actually will perform all the needed tests, and give you more straight forward answers. Just be honest with them, that you are concerned for her health and safety, and that her regular doctor isn't returning your call - so you came into the ER.

Or you could leave another message with the regular doctor, let him know your concerns in a polite yet firm tone.. and tell him that if you get no reply within the next 1 or 2 hours that you will be taking her to the emergency room.

You might also want to look into a better pediatric doctor for her if this doc doesn't seem to be overly interested in addressing yoru concerns, or giving the child a very complete examination as to all her latest health issues.

If you smoke in the house, stop now. Infants are especially vunerable to ear infections, bronchitis, asthma, and a slew of other health problems when a parent or anyone smokes in the house around them. Even being 3 rooms away with 3 doors closed between you and baby doesn't work. Plus wash your hair frequently, wear a 'smokers shirt' or coat when you go outside and change it when you come back in. Smoke sticks to the clothing, and we hold our babies right against us.

Also wash your hands right after a smoke, and even if you don't smoke WASH your hands A LOT! After every diaper change (and before if you can), before cooking or making her a bottle, etc. This really helps cut down on you spreading germs or viruses to the baby. Their lil under developed immune systems are still growing, and things which don't make us sick (since our bodies are use to them or immune) can make a child sick.

Keep your house clean, I mean hospital clean when your child has multiple health issues going on. It doesn't help the baby if you're picking up bacteria, viruses, molds, staph, or other micro-organisms - and then touching the baby or things that might come into contact with her.

Vacuum often, especially if you have pets. Pet hair can lead to allergies, ear infections, breathing problems, etc. Especially if you don't vacuumn very often.

With all that said, the main thing is to simply get the child to a decent and reliable doctor who will treat her as a whole. That means he or she will look at ALL the childs ailments and the doc will explain (in easy to understand terms) what is going on, how to treat it, and the best ways to prevent it. At least ask that from her current doctor.

Example: "Doctor, could you please explain to me what is causing all these health issues with her, how to treat them, and prevent them in the future? What can I do to help her on top of any medicine you prescribe?"

Best of luck to you and your little darling,
-- Mrs. B