What is the treatment for cold, cough, and fever?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 6-year-old son has been battling what we thought was just a bad cold for 10 days now, but he is getting worse. His fever keeps spiking to 102 to 103° Fahrenheit despite Tylenol, and he has been coughing so hard he sometimes throws up. Last night, he was wheezing and seemed to be working hard to breathe. The school nurse called yesterday, saying several kids in his class have tested positive for something called HMPV. I have never heard of this before.

Is this something serious?
Does he need special treatment or antibiotics?
He has mild asthma normally controlled with an inhaler, but that does not seem to be helping much now. My husband thinks we should take him to the emergency room, but I wanted to check with you first. What should we do?

Please help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus responsible for acute respiratory infections, especially in children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, bronchial asthma, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Symptoms typically appear three to six days after exposure and may include

Nasal congestion.
Runny nose.
Sore throat.
Headache.
Coughing.

In severe cases, HMPV can lead to:

Difficulty breathing.
Wheezing.
Fever.
Bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
Reduced oxygen saturation.

As you have mentioned, your kid has asthma, and his HMPV complicates his condition, as his lungs are already working full time to manage asthma. Now, HPMV causes additional inflammation of the mucosa and leads to difficult breathing and wheezing. Also, he has a persistent high-grade fever, so you must consider taking your son to the ER. Look for the oxygen saturation too. Until you take your kid to the ER (emergency room), you can follow the management advice.

Management includes:

Rest.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for fever.
Supplemental oxygen and fluids in severe cases.
Nasal decongestants and saline sprays. Use these to relieve congestion and improve breathing.
Use a clean humidifier to add moisture to the air and soothe irritated airways.
In severe cases, supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be required.
Bronchodilators can open up airways in patients with wheezing or shortness of breath.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.