$Unique_ID{BRK01884}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Cause of Prolonged Fevers in Young Children}
$Subject{Cause causes causing fever Fevers child Children test tests testing
temperature teething herpes virus 6 viruses contact contacts infection
infections infect infected childhood}
$Volume{}
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Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Cause of Prolonged Fevers in Young Children


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QUESTION:  Our two year old had a siege of high fever that lasted for about 5
days.  Although I took him to the doctor, nothing else was found, and there
wasn't even a rash that I was told to be looking for.  Now the doctor tells me
it was nothing to worry about, but that doesn't help.  How serious are fevers
like this, and do you have any idea what could have caused it?

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ANSWER:  This type of fever in young children always frustrates doctors, for
even when tests are taken, little can be found to explain the cause.  Mothers
don't much like it either, for the answers you received are not sufficient to
allay the fears and anxiety.  Yet they are a common occurrence, and the truth
is that nothing does happen to the children, and so the reassurance is
legitimate.
     In days past fevers, and the irritability that often accompanies the
elevated temperature, was blamed on teething.  That still remains a bit of a
controversy, for frequently these symptoms are caused by other conditions and
not the process of teething.  A possible answer to your question lies in a new
discovery that links an infection with herpes virus 6 to high temperatures in
youngsters.  Almost everyone becomes infected with this virus, which until now
was thought to be without consequences.  Now many fevers that last for about a
week without other signs, that occur in the first years of life, are believed
to be caused by the first contact with this virus.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.