My 8year old son has had a fever for the last three days ranging from 100.2. To 102.7.   He has never has a fever higher than 100.1 before.  He keeps complaining of a headache, and hasnt done anything but lay around for three days.   Should I take him in to see his doctor or to you think its just viral
Most often such episodes of high fever are caused due to certain viral infections. Treatment with antibiotics does not help and irrespective of the treatment, it takes 5-7 days to recover. I would not get concerned if the child is active and fine but if the child grows lethargic or Chat Doctor.  If the fever lasts more than 7 days, other causes like typhoid might need to be considered. On the other hand, if the fever is associated with chills and rigors, it could be due to malaria or a urinary tract infection and tests to detect these conditions might be needed without delay. Headache or body ache are might not be specific for any cause and should get relieved with paracetamol. But if severe, medical advice should be sought. So, depending on the associated symptoms and the general well-being of the child, you should be able to decide when the child needs to be taken to a doctor.