how do i know if my 14mth needs to see a doc?

[jane37]

ds has had a temperature since wednesday eve it varies but 38.6 seems to be the hottest its got, he's about 37.8 now but always seems a lot hotter at night. He has no other symptoms but is bit clingy and lethargic, he does have moments of play for 15mins or so occassionally and will still laugh and babble occasssionally such as if i put pingu on tv. He's had colds before but this is odd, just a high temperature. Was only feeding him at night but have reverted back to constant suckling the last couple of days as this soothes him. should i be worried? have given him some doses of calpol when i thought he felt very very hot. And am keeping him in. what is too hot for a baby (over 39c? or 40c?)please advise me! 1st time mum!

[Nemo1977]

40c is hot for baby/toddler. Is your ds teething or anything as i find ds temp higher of evening when he is teething. If you are woried take him to be checked out as its been a couple of days.

[jane37]

no signs of any teeth coming through. he has 8 teeth and has never had a temperature with it before although i understand the ones further back can be harder to come out. he's usually so independant and active. phoned my doc who has no appointments left for today, gave me one for monday! and said if his temp goes over 39 i could take him to a&e, is this normal practise?! she seemed to think it wasn't too serious if i could get some activity out of him even for short spurts. he is eating but only about 15% of the usual amount, although he hasn't had any vomiting or diahorrea

[Twiglett]

so he's actually fine during the day but has a slight temperature at night, is that right?

personally I would only be concerned if he stops eating (for 2 - 3 days) / drinking (for 24 hours)or if the temp stays above 38 for a week and then I'd consider a virus .. give him some calpol at night

(40c is when it gets too hot for them and they risk febrile convulsions . .. so personally I start to get concerned in the high 39s and not before but will calpol from the mid-to-high 38s)

HTH

[jane37]

thankyou, thats all very reassuring. No his temperature is always high, he feels hot all over, just soars up at night. behaviour is quite odd for him but am reassured by the fact he is drinking/eating however small amount. thankyou for the advice twiglet

[Twiglett]

you are very welcome but as a codicil please don't let my opinion stop you seeking medical advice if you think it is warranted .. mum normally knows best .. you could always call nhs direct on 0845 46 47 if you are concerned .. but once again I would not be overly concerned

[purpleturtle]

Bearing in mind that with little children the NHS Direct standard response seems to be: take them to A&E and get them checked out.

SIL is a GP in training, and she always says that the parents have the best idea of whether their child is poorly enough to need a doctor.