Four-year-old on antibiotics for strep throat still spiking fevers at night

[Georgialouises]

Hi all,

Please could somebody offer some advice to a very anxious mum.

My LB who is 4 has been poorly since Sunday complaining of a sore throat, head, legs and belly. I took him to the GP on Monday morning who diagnosed a throat and ear infection and prescribed a 10 day course of ABX.

On Tuesday tea time, his temperature was hitting 40.8 so I took him to the hospital who advised he had strep throat and to keep on with the ABX, Calpol and Nurofen which I have been doing.

We are on day 4 of ABX now and he is still sleeping lots, off his food, temperature keeps spiking (especially at night). I took him to the GP again today and he said there is pus in his throat and to keep him hydrated and if he isnt any better by day 10 to get him seem again.

I have just put him to bed now and checked his temp which is 38.5 so I have just give 10ml of calpol. My anxious mum brain is telling me to take him to the hospital again because there must be something seriously wrong but I know infections like strep throat can take a while to go.

TIA

How is he in himself? Is he still playing, eating, drinking, weeing?

Has he been swabbed for step? If not it’s possible it’s viral which is why antibiotics arent working.

If he’s been seen today then I would definitely not rush to A&E. Sometimes these things go on for ages and are tough. Keep him drinking don’t worry about food just anything he fancies. Try jelly and ice lollies.

Ermmm when hes topped up on Calpol and Ibuprofen he's ok but not fully himself. More just wanting to lay on the couch watching TV which is unusual for him as he is usually extremely active. He is drinking plenty and weeing but not eating very much.

He hasnt been swabbed for strep. They didnt offer that at A&E on Tuesday evening actually. Just said his throat is very inflammed and you can see the white pus and swelling (which look like tonsils despite him having a tonsillectomy in 2023).

Ive been trying to offer him yogurts, ice cream and ice lollies but he just isnt interested 🥺. He will ask me to make him something and then doesnt want to eat it.

if he’s drinking plenty and improves with Calpol then I would definitely watch and wait.
I know it’s scary but A&E won’t do anything different to what you are already doing.

Thank you. I think because I get so anxious im these situations it doesnt help me to think rationally. I always assume the worst or assume that they have missed something more serious.