3-year-old with fever, vomiting, and mild stomach pain, improving but still concerned - #12960
My 3-year-old nephew had a fever starting last night around 101.6°F. We gave paracetamol at 1:20 am, and the fever came down after about an hour. He vomited twice and had some mild stomach pain. He’s now eating a banana and carrot and drank a glass of ORS. His energy seems back, he’s playing a little and alert. He doesn’t have any rash, breathing issues, or persistent vomiting. Temperature went up again to about 101°F after 6 hours, so we gave paracetamol again. So first fever at around 12 am than 6:12 and again at around 12 pm and each time we gave paracetamol and it went away quickly, So please help guys what we can do His mother currently has adenovirus (she’s a BMT patient on +88 day), so we’re worried it could be the same infection. We’re also concerned about dengue, since his father had it a week ago, but the child seems okay now.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.
Doctors’ responses
Hi Dear Haider, Fever in a child has lot of causes If temperature is high on and off Kindly get it evaluated with a paediatrician Donot delay Need to do blood tests and IV Antibiotics and fluids Kindly do tepid sponging till then Take care
1. From your description, this looks like a self-limiting viral fever (likely adenovirus or mild viral gastroenteritis), especially since the fever responds to paracetamol and the child is alert, playful, and tolerating fluids.
2. Continue paracetamol 15 mg/kg every 6 hours as needed if fever ≥ 100.4 °F. Sponge with lukewarm water during spikes.
3. Offer ORS, soups, banana, rice, and fluids frequently; avoid oily or spicy foods for now.
4. Watch for warning signs – persistent vomiting, drowsiness, refusal to eat/drink, rash, or breathing difficulty. If any appear, get him evaluated immediately.
5. Since there is a family history of adenovirus and dengue exposure, if fever persists beyond 2–3 days, do CBC, dengue NS1/IgM, and urine analysis to rule out infection.
6. No antibiotics are needed unless a bacterial focus (like throat infection, ear pain, or urinary infection) is found.
7. Keep the child isolated from his immunocompromised mother (BMT patient) until fever-free for at least 48 hours.
Hello Mr. Haider, thank you for sharing your concern. The child needs a evaluation regarding the source of infection. After the clinical examination, a doctor can decide whether to give antibiotics or not, and other medications too. So, my advise would be to visit a certified Pediatrician or a Family Physician for physical examination, evaluation and management.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med
Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems viral infection However chances of dengue are still there .As the fever is continuously rising and falling down,i think it will take 5 days I suggest you to please carry out current medication 6 hourly ( half teaspoon) after meals - paracetamol on fever only Give good balanced diet Avoid cold water consumption In addition Get following tests done and share result with pediatrician in case of no improvement CBC Widal Regards
Hello,
Right now, this sounds like a mild viral illness, probably not serious. Keep giving paracetamol every 6–8 hours if fever >100.4°F (38°C). Keep offering fluids (ORS, water, coconut water, soups). Continue light, bland foods like bananas, carrots, rice, etc.
🛑keep monitoring closely
Since you’re in a context with known adenovirus and dengue exposure, if symptoms persist or worsen, consult a pediatrician for: Dengue NS1 antigen test (early dengue detection) CBC (check for platelet count, signs of infection) Adenovirus PCR or antigen test
🛑🛑Red flags:
Fever lasts more than 3 days Vomiting returns or becomes persistent Diarrhea develops, especially if it’s bloody
Signs of dengue: High fever not controlled by meds Rash Bleeding gums/nose, easy bruising Severe abdominal pain Lethargy, drowsiness, irritability
Signs of adenovirus complications: Eye redness or discharge Breathing difficulty High or prolonged fever
I hope this helps Feel free to talk Thank you
Hello dear It seems viral infection… nothing to worry… just keep eye on fever and give paracetamol sos only when fever comes ( above 101 ) only … do sponging … For vomit give - ondansetron oral solution two times a day For better sleep - give montac lc solution once at night .
Get well soon Thank you
It sounds like you’re dealing with a situation where monitoring and symptom relief are key, especially considering the potential exposure to adenovirus and dengue. Firstly, keep following your current plan of using paracetamol (at the appropriate dose as per pediatric guidelines) to manage the fever. Ensure his fluid intake is adequate; giving oral rehydration solution (ORS) is wise to prevent dehydration, especially since he has vomited. It’s also good that he’s eating and showing signs of energy. In terms of potential infections, adenovirus could cause symptoms like fever and vomiting, but it generally clears without complications. Dengue, on the other hand, requires closer observation; watch for signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rash, or bleeding, as these could indicate a more severe form of dengue. Given his current condition doesn’t show these worrying signs, continue monitoring his temperature and overall condition. However, the context of potential exposure to both adenovirus and dengue in the family makes it prudent to consult a pediatrician to rule out any complications or need for specific treatment. If symptoms escalate – such as the onset of any respiratory difficulties, severe dehydration, or a significant drop in activity level – seek medical attention promptly. Due to the mother’s immunocompromised state, it’s also wise to practice infection control measures like hand washing and limiting close contact until more clarity is gained.
Your nephew’s fever with brief vomiting and mild stomach pain, while alert and drinking, is currently mild but needs careful monitoring due to possible exposure to adenovirus and recent dengue in the family. Continue hydration, give paracetamol as needed, and watch for warning signs like persistent vomiting, lethargy, rash, or bleeding. Please consult a pediatrician urgently for evaluation and appropriate lab tests to rule out viral infections or dengue.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.
