D.S. asks from Gaithersburg, MD on August 19, 2009
5 Days with Fever; Low White Blood Cells!
My daughter started a fever on Friday night. It is now Wednesday. Today, no fever! We took her to the Dr though because she is still very drowsy and wants to lay down a lot. The Dr did a blood test and said everything was normal but her white blood cell count was a little low. I am a worrier by nature but this has scared me to death! I can't stop crying! The Dr said not to worry that it is common with some types of viruses... but I think I just need to be more comforted about it. Thanks again! Please pray!
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K.M. answers from Gainesville on August 20, 2009
Ok, think of it like this: the white blood cells are the little warriors against infection. She's had a fever for several days and so they've been fighting the good fight and have lost some of their members. Because she's still fighting the infection, there hasn't been enough down time in her immune system to be able to bounce those numbers back up to normal. Thats just how the body works. I'm assuming that they did a CBC and differential, which would have shown them if anything was seriously out of whack. As long as she shows signs of improvement in the next few days, I wouldn't worry about it. However, if she is still feverish after a week, you might want to take her back in.
Lots of fluids, lots of rest, and lots of good thoughts!
K.
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S.W. answers from Miami on August 22, 2009
Pray we will. And momma, please take care of yourself as well...you deserve it. And you'll be nourished and strengthened to continue being the best mom...
Blessings, S.
C.S. answers from Tampa on August 20, 2009
please dont worry be concerned yes.a few weeks later have her blood checked again.most likely everything will be fine.we do alot of useless worrying sometimes and put ourselves through alot.so relax and trust god.he will see you through.C.
R.C. answers from Lakeland on August 20, 2009
I am praying for you and your daughter. I'm sure it is nothing, sometimes these viruses take a toll on the body and it has to re-coup.
Roz
K.M. answers from Gainesville on August 20, 2009
Ok, think of it like this: the white blood cells are the little warriors against infection. She's had a fever for several days and so they've been fighting the good fight and have lost some of their members. Because she's still fighting the infection, there hasn't been enough down time in her immune system to be able to bounce those numbers back up to normal. Thats just how the body works. I'm assuming that they did a CBC and differential, which would have shown them if anything was seriously out of whack. As long as she shows signs of improvement in the next few days, I wouldn't worry about it. However, if she is still feverish after a week, you might want to take her back in.
Lots of fluids, lots of rest, and lots of good thoughts!
K.
M.H. answers from Miami on August 20, 2009
Hi D.,
It's so hard when your kids are sick. I can tell you that your WBC count does drop when you have a viral infection and they go up when it's bacterial. That's why the peds office will do a CBC when your child is sick and has a fever. The WBC count will tell them how to treat the illness. In your daughter's case, the WBC count was low so it indicated a viral illness, therefore no need for antibitics. As for the drowsiness, her little body is recovering. Being sick wipes you out. I know when I've had the flu in the past, it always takes me a little while after I get over the initial illness to feel back to normal. The fact that she doesn't have a fever anymore is encouraging. I'm sure she'll be back to normal in a couple of days. Try not to worry too much, even though I know that's easier said than done. If you're still concerned, you can always have her WBC rechecked when she's completely better. I'm sure it will be back to normal by then. Take care.
K.M. answers from Tampa on August 20, 2009
did he tellyou how to get to normal?
Check out Weston Price Foundation and they will tell you,
and find another doc, shame on him for not giving you the data to handle your worry-k
A.D. answers from Fort Myers on August 20, 2009
I suggest giving it a few days if the fever is gone. Make sure she's eating extremely healthy and taking a good quality vitamin supplement for her age daily. No sugar or juice, and lots of raw fruits and veggies. A good pro-biotic supplement will help the immune system. A local Shaklee distributor can hook you up with a product that even infants can swallow. If her energy level doesn't return in a couple days, get a 2nd opinion.
T.F. answers from Miami on August 20, 2009
Checking their white blood cell count seems to be the new thing to do lately. Last time I brought my daughter to the pediatrician they did the finger prick blood test to check her count, too, and the doctor explained how it helps them determine if in fact their body is fighting something. I wouldn't worry. If she's tired, let her rest. If she's lethargic and can't function, call the doctor. You don't say how old she is ... bouncing, like on a bounce ball or rebounder (a good mini-trampoline) exercises all the cells in the body and that can help build the body's immune system, with continued use (even 5 minutes a day - great for grown-ups, too!)
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