Pregnancy & Sore Throat: Understanding Fever Risks & Safe Relief

Question
Dear Lawrence,

My wife (27 years old) is 5-6 weeks pregnant. She has sore throat accompanied by temperature of 37.1-37.2 Celsius for the last 10 days. Her throat specialist diagnosed tonsillitis and prescribed her rinsing with soda without any medicaments as they are not recommended during this period.
I am wondering about heightened temperature and its side affect on fetus.
Please, what would be your suggestions in this case?

Thanks.


Answer
Since her sore throat and tonsilitis is probably due to a viral illness, she should not use any antibiotics but continue to gargle with salt water or soda. Any fever should be lowered using Tylenol (acetominofen) every three hours. The risk of high temperatures during pregnancy are the risk of preterm labor or miscarriage, so bring any HIGH temperatures down. If you have to place her in a cool bath to bring the temperature down (if Tylenol does not work), do so.