Fever is not an illness. Far from being an enemy, it is an important part of the body's defense against infection. Many infants and children develop high fevers with minor viral illnesses. While a fever signals to us that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for the person, not against.

Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6°F. Raising the temperature a few degrees can give your body the winning edge. In addition, a fever activates the body's immune system to make more white blood cells, antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents.

If the fever is mild and no other problems are present, no medical treatment is required. Drink fluids and rest. If a child is playful and comfortable, drinking plenty of fluids, and able to sleep, fever treatment is not likely to help.

Take steps to lower a fever if you or your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dehydrated, or having difficulty sleeping. The goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever.

When trying to reduce a fever:

* DO NOT bundle up someone who has the chills.
* Remove excess clothing or blankets. The environment should be comfortably cool. For example, one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket to sleep. If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help.
* A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is especially effective after medication is given -- otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up.
* DO NOT use cold baths or alcohol rubs. These cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature.
* Drink cool liquids, as tolerated.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen help reduce fever in children and adults.

***Because the fever has lasted 8 days, I would consider a second opinions. I cannot imagine allowing my little one to feel like that for so long without taking her elsewhere. Amoxicillin is only an antibiotic-it will NOT reduce fever. Mucinex will only loosen up phlegm in his lungs, it won't reduce fever either.***

I agree with previous post. I am concerned however for the fever to have lasted this many days at these high degrees. Does your child have a history of running high fevers when ill? My youngest child always runs a high fever when ill.

Doctors do say you can "piggy-back" tylenol and ibuprofen-meaning you can give a dose of tylenol between the doses of ibuprofen. This is done when you are fighting a high fever and has been recommended by my childrens doctor. Please call and get the ok from your own doctor before doing this. Plenty of fluids are crucial with fever as you have described. I am not a big fan of gatorade type of drinks for kids, but it would be a good idea to offer something like this (or pedialyte). Rest is also very important during this time. Do not stop giving the antibiotic, since you are not sure what is going on. If he is congested continue giving the mucinex. If you arent able to see a second doctor, you can always call your sons doctor back and ask for him to be seen again, as you are not seeing any improvement. They can always run blood tests, etc. By the way, has he been biten by a tick?? Often tick bites can make people very sick and symptoms can be flu-like.

Good luck-I hope he gets to feeling better soon!!

Take Care~G