DS has had a fever for 5 days, I need some reassurance

[Biscuits & Gravy]

He started this on Tuesday. Fever has been in the 99-101 range. He has been on the couch all day, every day. No energy, zero appetite. He is drinking fluids and peeing. He says his tummy hurts, but he is not having vomiting or any other tummy issues. My gut says it is a virus that we have to wait out, but then I keep second guessing my instincts and wondering if we should take him in to the doctor. He says his throat, ears, everything else does not hurt.

WWYD? Have you experienced a virus like this? I'd love to hear some positive stories and reassurance, as well as maybe some ideas for things I can do to help him feel better. I've never seen him like this. He is normally in motion from the time he wakes up to the time goes to bed, and eats like a teenager. I've offered every food I can think of, but the only thing he has had is popsicles.

[chlobo]

My son had a fever for 3.5 days.  He was very lethargic and never complained about his throat.  But we took him in (he's only 3.5) and lo and behold he had strep.

The doctor had told us to bring him in if his fever lasted more than 3 days.  But that might be a conservative estimate.

[D_McG]

I would definitely bring him in.  

[mkksmom]

I'm one to wait it out with fevers unless there are obvious symptoms and only if the child is playing and eating and drinking. The fever wouldn't concern me as much as the laying around and not acting like himself. I'd schedule an appointment with the doc as well.

[Biscuits & Gravy]

Well he is like a totally different kid this morning. Phew! He just looks better, plus the fever is gone. That was rough! I talked to my mom who is a nurse practitioner yesterday. She normally tells me exactly what she thinks, and she said it sounded like a virus. She reassured me that I was doing what I could for him, and it would pass. It seems that is has.