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Free Medical Advice sponsored by
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Got an ache or pain? Have a question about a prescription or over-the-counter drug? Looking for some FREE medical advice?
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Question:
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| My 4 y.o. daughter has contracted some kind of blood virus which I cannot fully understand from the Russian Doctor. We at first thought it was chicken pox from the spots across her body but have been assured it is not. The symtoms were initially vomitting and high fever. 12 hours later she broke out into spots across the body but mostly concentrated on the legs. The spots are simular to Chicken pox but lighter in colour & only some with a few small bumps in the centre. She also has a couple of small bruise like marks but I do not know if these are related or from playing. The Doctor prescribed an anti-biotic for the infection, rectal panadol for the fever & various vitamin pills. They will return to perform blood tests later today. As I understand there is some connection to the virus causeing the breakage of small blood vessels & the concern is that if she does not receive treatment this may continue with internal organs. From this description are you able to give any idea what the virus may be? Thank you
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Answer:
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| Thank you for your question. I would like to provide you with helpful advice but your daughter had (or has) several symptoms and it would be inappropriate to try and diagnose her illness this way. I did not have the opportunity to examine your daughter and see what bloodwork was ordered. It does sound like she had an infectious illness. Do note that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections. Antibiotics are completely ineffective and inappropriate against an illness which a doctor suspects is due to a virus. Inflammation of the blood vessels can occur in certain infections (as well as other causes) and this can cause small capillaries to break, producing petechiae on the skin (resembling small red dots) or larger vessels can leak and appear similar to bruises (called purpura). If your child is still unwell, or if there is any question as to the diagnosis, I urge you to seek a second opinion without delay. Best wishes for your daughter.
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