Persistent fever in toddler--any ideas?

[sdbeachy]

My 21-month old has had a fever every day for nearly a week. It's been as high as 105 at times, sometimes nearly gone, but keeps coming back. He has no other symptoms (no cold, GI, etc.) At times he seems to be experiencing pain, though I can't tell where. He wants to nurse MUCH more than usual, doesn't want me to put him down, doesn't want to play with anyone else as he usually does.

He's not getting teeth, he's not pulling his ears or showing any indications of an ear infection. He's not sleeping well, but doesn't seem to be particularly worse when he lays down.

Before Christmas he had a cold followed by a low-grade fever, which I thought might be an ear infection. He seemed to recover from the cold but still occasionally had the fever. Now since Sunday the fever has been worse and he seems sicker than he was, though he has times where he seems fine.

He got a Dtap vaccination on Friday a week ago (first vaccine--we're doing delayed/selective) but none of the possible reactions I read about sound like this, so I don't think it's related. The only other change is that his urine has been cloudy at times during this week.

So, I'm looking for insight and advice on any of the following:

1. What could it be?

2. Should I take him to the doctor or will they just tell me to do what I'm already doing? (Lots of nursing and extra fluids, rest, less clothing when he's hot, fever medication twice when he seemed really uncomfortable)

3. What other home care can I give to help him recover? Home remedies, vitamins, etc?

Thanks, friends.

[deditus]

I would take him in to get checked for an ear infection and a uti. It would help to know what hurts in order to provide comfort measures. My dd had 2 ear infections and she never "acted" like she had an ei, main symptom was a high fever.