Chest x-ray, blood, urine, and throat cultures should be obtained without waiting for test results. Lumbar puncture should be performed even if there are only minimal indications of meningitis. An antibiotic effective against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae should be promptly administered, preferably intravenously. It is critical to be aware of the susceptibility patterns of the local flora when selecting empiric therapy. The choice of subsequent antibiotics can be guided by results of cultures and clinical course.
Practice varies widely on indications for admitting febrile SS children to the hospital.
Seriously ill appearance. Poor perfusion, dehydration . The patient, family, and clinic are capable of mpeccable followup, and the patient has immediate emergency access to the hospital. The endemic flora have been demonstrated to be sensitive to cephalosporins. A successful followup program has been established.