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Date: | Mon, 28 Apr 1997 14:27:38 -0700 |
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Yes, a low-grade fever may be normal with a cold. HOwever, babies under
2-3 months of age do not usually have a mature enough immune system to
generate a fever except with a more severe infection. It is standard
practice to admit any baby under 8 wks (some say 3months) for a "rule-out
sepsis" workup when the oral equivalent temp is more than 99.5 F (100.5
rectally, 38/38.5 C). This consists of blood cultures, urine cultures,
spinal tap, and sometimes a chest x-ray, and 48-72 hours of antibiotics
until cultures come back negative. (Positive cultures are treated
longer.) Breastfeeding well, plenty of diapers, "responsiveness" and
normal periods of alertness should reassure this mom. If the baby does
get a fever, doesn't feed/gets lethargic, and/or gets dehydrated, the
physician should be consulted.
Hope this helps.
--
Anne Montgomery, M.D.
[log in to unmask]
St.Peter Hospital Family Practice Residency
Olympia, WA
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