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AIBU?

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Original poster

When to worry about a fever?

36 replies

user81719191 · 04/07/2024 19:20

Posted a couple of days ago about a weird virus both Dc (5 &6) have picked up. They've both had a high temp, headache and neck stiffness. Oldest is now better, it only lasted about 24 hours. Youngest seemed better this morning but quickly went off again. Temp isn't coming down much with calpol and ibuprofen, it's sitting at about 40 but coming down to about 39.5 with medicine. He hasn't been able to stay awake since about 3pm. Is shivering non stop, boiling to touch apart from his hands and feet which are freezing. Obviously I know these are normal signs of fever but at what point do I need to worry?

OP posts:
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Icannoteven · 05/07/2024 20:54

I would be worried at a temperature not going down with medicine (yes, I know it’s dropping slightly but it is not going into the non-fever zone).

I would be extra worried with headache and neck stiffness as they are classic meningitis signs. In fact I would be straight to the dr with those 3 things.

you have t said how many days this has gone in for but a fever for 5 days or over in a child requires blood tests anyway.

Original poster
user81719191 · 05/07/2024 20:44

Sorry I haven't been back to update. It's a very long story but the short version is that the ambulance came and assessed and said he could be kept at home, then came back about 20 mins later to say they had changed their mind and due to a few red flags they didn't feel right about leaving and they wanted to get him seen. Hospital saw him and ran lots of tests but luckily his temp was coming down by then and it was confirmed he had some type of viral infection l. He's feeling a bit brighter today. Thanks for all the concern

OP posts:
FannyFifer · 05/07/2024 19:01

Thinking about you & hope the wee one is ok.

Needahandholdplease2023 · 05/07/2024 08:09

Hope you're both ok xx

spicysamosahotcupoftea · 04/07/2024 22:56

Glad youve gone to hospital. Fingers crossed everything is ok xx

marmaladeiismyfave · 04/07/2024 22:39

Oh no poor you, hope little one is ok

Chocolateismylovelife · 04/07/2024 22:36

One of mine had very similar symptoms but without the stiff neck. Took them to a&e, it was Covid.
temp lasted 10 days.

Greenlittecat · 04/07/2024 22:33

Hope all is ok xxxx

My 5 year old had viral meningitis, I totally understand how you are feeling right now ❤️ so glad you've gone to hospital xxxx

cashmerecow · 04/07/2024 22:32

Thinking of you and your little one OP, hope they get better soon xx

DaisyCat33 · 04/07/2024 22:30

Hope all is ok OP, glad your little one is getting seen quickly.

OrwellianTimes · 04/07/2024 22:28

Seen you’ve got an ambulance on its way, thinking of you & little one x

OrwellianTimes · 04/07/2024 22:26

Neck stiffness = A&E now.

justasking111 · 04/07/2024 22:22

Bless it's a frightening situation for you. Sending healing thoughts.

Hugesunflower · 04/07/2024 22:19

I’m glad you’re getting help. It’s scary when someone, especially a child gets so ill but you’re in the right place for help.

andtheendwasgone · 04/07/2024 21:00

Sending love op. You have done the right thing

OvenRed · 04/07/2024 20:59

Ah OP hugs to you. DS had very similar symptoms when he had Covid a couple of years ago - the high temp that didn't respond to Calpol was the trigger for an ambulance here too. They took him to hospital and in our case the initial infection (Covid) has become a bacterial chest infection. He got better unbelievably fast with antibiotics.

Pack a bag now if you haven't already: chargers, book, water and snacks. PJs for you both, clean undies, slippers/crocs for using the bathroom in the night. iPad for DS if he has one.

Best wishes.

DontBiteTheCat · 04/07/2024 20:58

I’m so glad you’re getting help quickly, I hope your little one is on the mend soon.

Countrygirlxo · 04/07/2024 20:56

Glad you're getting help quickly. Hope all goes well

Original poster
user81719191 · 04/07/2024 20:54

Just to confirm dr has sent an ambulance so we are just waiting for them now

OP posts:
DontBiteTheCat · 04/07/2024 20:40

Just go to A&E!!!

Countrygirlxo · 04/07/2024 20:39

user81719191 · 04/07/2024 19:53

Just called 111. They are getting a Gp to call us back within the hour

111 will tell you to go a&e. Don't waste time

Hugesunflower · 04/07/2024 20:08

user81719191 · 04/07/2024 19:53

Just called 111. They are getting a Gp to call us back within the hour

No. You need to go to A and E. If you can’t get there then 999.

You need to be clear 39.5c after nurofen and calpol, neck stiffness and cold hands and feet. Tell them you’re concerned about menigitis or spesis.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 04/07/2024 20:08

I'd also go to a and e and I'm generally quite relaxed about fevers. Drowsiness and cold hands and feet and a sudden relapse would worry me. Plus I think the doctor will tell you to go anyway

IonaFiona · 04/07/2024 20:05

A&E with those symptoms, don't wait for 111 to call back

Strugglingmumof3 · 04/07/2024 19:58

Cold hands and feet are a sign of sepsis. My son had it. And left he would have died. Please go to A&E. don’t want you to panic but it is serious