Is a child's recurring low-grade fever caused by a virus or bacteria?

A child's recurring low-grade fever may be caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection, or immune or blood-related diseases which can also lead to persistent low-grade fever in children.

1. Viral infection: Infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori, and Coxsackievirus can lead to diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and peptic ulcers. Children are prone to recurring low-grade fever after infection. During flu season, low-grade fever caused by influenza is common and usually lasts about 3-5 days; some people may experience low-grade fever within a week. Viral infections require symptomatic treatment depending on the type of infection. If the fever of 38°C is caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, it is a self-limiting disease. Physical cooling methods such as applying a forehead cooling patch can be used, and antiviral medications like ribavirin granules or compound antiviral syrup may also be taken orally under a doctor's guidance.

2. Bacterial infection: A persistent low-grade fever in children is very likely caused by infection. Since children's immune systems are weaker, even a mild cold or bacterial infection might result in persistent fever. If it is a bacterial infection, oral medications such as azithromycin or cefaclor granules can be used for treatment.

3. Immune and blood-related diseases: Apart from viral and bacterial infections, recurring low-grade fever in children could also be due to non-infectious diseases, such as acute leukemia, immune deficiency disorders, and tumors. Rheumatic immune system diseases and tumors can also cause recurring low fevers, although such cases are relatively rare in daily life.

Recurring low-grade fever in children is influenced by multiple factors. It is important to seek timely medical attention to determine the underlying cause, so that treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance.