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Fever and a possible ear infection

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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It is not uncommon for a viral upper respiratory infection, such as a cold, to be present with a fever that lasts for 24 to 48 hours. Fever that occurs on day 3 or 4 of an upper respiratory infection may be caused by an ear infection. This is especially true if your child has other symptoms, such as fussiness, sleeplessness, or decreased appetite.

Fever may be a sign of an ear infection when:

  • Other symptoms, such as ear discomfort, ear rubbing, or pulling at the ears, are severe or do not go away.
  • Cold symptoms cleared up but other symptoms, such as fever and ear pain, are still present.

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Updated February 13, 2008
Last Updated: 02/13/2008