How can high fever and headache in a child be treated?
Patient: I have a question my grandson who is 12 years old. He have symptoms of high fever 102 to 103 for 3 days, low white blood count, dehydration, nausesa, headaches, no energy and no appettite and diziness. One doctor thought he had appendicitis but a cat scan did not show anything. One doctor said he has a infection, but did not give him any antibiotics. What should we do? Doctor: Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor'.  I have read your query and here is my advice.  Sometimes a low white blood cell count can be due to a viral infection and last for a couple of weeks.  There are other kinds of germs that  cause low white blood cell count.  These include bacteria, fungus, and germs carried by ticks.  When these ticks bite a human, he/she becomes infected.  Your list of your grandson's symptoms is worrisome.  Because a high fever with headache could possibly be due to meningitis which is a MOST serious infection of the coverings of the brain.  I strongly urge you to take him for medical care, perhaps this time to an emergency room right away!  Hope I have answered your query.  If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.  Arnold Zedd, MD, FAAP