What causes fever and sore throat?
Patient: my 6 year old has a fever of 102.8, is this normal, or should I be concerned he says he feels sick and has been laying down sleeping all afternoon.  His throat s sore and I am concerned because I don't remember him ever having a fever that high, he rarely gets fevers. Doctor: Hi...by what you quote I feel that your kid might be having a viral sore throat or a streptococcal infection. I suggest you see your pediatrician and get a rapid streptococcal antigen test done. If it is positive then the kid will require antibiotics. If it is negative then it might be viral illness and doesn't require antibiotics at all.Cough and cold are viral 95% of the times in children. For cold you can use anti-allergics like cetirizine and for nose block, saline nasal decongestants will do. Paracetamol can be given in the dose of 15mg/kg/dose (max ceiling dose 500mg) every 4-6th hourly, that too only if fever is more than 100F. I suggest not using combination medicines for fever, especially with Paracetamol.Warm saline gargles will be soothing and will give a lot of relief if the kid can do that.Regards - Dr. Sumanth