Hello Doctor, My 3 year olddaughter has a high fever (103) but her hands and feet are cold. She complains that her hands and feet are sore. She is delirious at height of fever We took her to a doctor who suggested that we give her Motrin and Tylenol in alternating applications. Her blood work results are due on Thursday but this is scarey. Could this be meningitis? What is the best thing to do next? Thanks
Hi, THIS IS DUE TO DIFFERENTIAL BLOOD CIRCULATION DURING FEVER DUE TO PERIPHERAL VASOCONSTRICTION. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT. Fever of a few days without any localizing signs could as well a viral illness.  Usually rather than fever, what is more important is the activity of the child, in between 2 fever episodes on the same day.  If the kid is active and playing around when there is no fever, it is probably viral illness and it doesn't require antibiotics at all. Once viral fever comes it will there for 4-7 days.  So do not worry about duration if the kid is active. Paracetamol can be given in the dose of 15 mg/kg/dose (maximum ceiling dose of 500 mg) every 4-6th hourly that too only if fever is more than 100F.  I suggest not using combination medicines for fever, especially with Paracetamol. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Chat Doctor. 