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Original poster

5year old with covid, temp of 40.3

39 replies

MyComputerGetsSadWithoutMe · 21/01/2022 18:40

Hi, just wondering if anyone has any advice, my 5 year old tested positive for covid this morning and his temperature is 40.3, he's been having regular calpol but I know ibuprofen isn't advised for covid, he also has asthma so the doctor advised us before to avoid if possible I don't know why. His temp has at its lowest gone to 38.6, I'm really worried. He's so sleepy, he's usually a big ball of energy and the last time he had covid he wasn't very unwell really :(

OP posts:
Namechange600 · 21/01/2022 18:43

Hi so sorry your LO is so unwell. I was told by a hospital doctor that it was a concern if fever wouldn’t go with calpol. If it’s only dropping to 38 that is still high. Also the sleepiness is concerning. Could you get to A&E?

Original poster
MyComputerGetsSadWithoutMe · 21/01/2022 18:50

I think I might have to :( thanks for your advice x

OP posts:
GrapefruitPink · 21/01/2022 18:53

ibuprofen can worsen asthma op.
I would give 111 call, whilst it's coming down with Calpol it's still high and obv affecting him.

How's his drinking and eating?

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5 year olds Behaviour & development Children's health Covid-19
MadeForThis · 21/01/2022 18:54

I would call 111 and explain his situation.

Original poster
MyComputerGetsSadWithoutMe · 21/01/2022 18:56

He hasn't ate all day but he's had some fluids, not loads, but he also wet himself earlier which isn't like him, he hasn't done that in 2 years. I just feel so bad for him. Just going to phone 111 now and I've packed a bag in case he/we need one

OP posts:
GrapefruitPink · 21/01/2022 18:59

They can cope without food for afew days, fluid is more important. And he's passing urine so that's good.
Let us know what they say Thanks

Swatsup · 21/01/2022 19:02

Call 111 but just want to add that my son did this with covid. Panicked when I took his temperature as it had never been so high. Temp came down a bit with calpol, I stayed awake all night worrying and he was back to normal the next day :-)

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 21/01/2022 19:03

How’s he doing now?

Original poster
MyComputerGetsSadWithoutMe · 21/01/2022 19:06

He's asleep already which is very unlike him, I've taken his temp and we're back down to 39.8, which isn't QUITE as bad, I'm waiting for a call back from 111, I feel like I can't take my eyes off of him, I'm just too nervous to :(

OP posts:
Choconuttolata · 21/01/2022 19:07

He can have ibuprofen with Covid. Give him a dose and then try to get some more fluids into him. If the ibuprofen can bring his fever down a bit he may be more inclined to drink and be less lethargic. I wouldn't worry too much about food he will eat when he doesn't feel so awful, the fluids are important though to keep him hydrated.

www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/anti-inflammatory-medicines-covid-19-advice-parents-carers#:~:text=Our%20advice%20to%20parents%20is,or%20if%20symptoms%20get%20worse.

GrapefruitPink · 21/01/2022 19:09

[quote Choconuttolata]He can have ibuprofen with Covid. Give him a dose and then try to get some more fluids into him. If the ibuprofen can bring his fever down a bit he may be more inclined to drink and be less lethargic. I wouldn't worry too much about food he will eat when he doesn't feel so awful, the fluids are important though to keep him hydrated.

www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/anti-inflammatory-medicines-covid-19-advice-parents-carers#:~:text=Our%20advice%20to%20parents%20is,or%20if%20symptoms%20get%20worse.[/quote]
He's got asthma also, ibuprofen is not advised with this.

wendz86 · 21/01/2022 19:11

My daughters temp went up to 40 with covid . 111 said was fine if came down with calpol and that she was alert etc . They also said could alternate with ibuprofen if needed .

Original poster
MyComputerGetsSadWithoutMe · 21/01/2022 19:11

I'll wait to speak to 111 before giving him ibuprofen, not because I distrust the advice but just because I want to make sure it's safe with his asthma! He seems so peaceful while he sleeps normally but his eyes are so sore and red tonight and I can hear his teeth chattering:(

OP posts:
gemloving · 21/01/2022 19:13

Hi mama, I'm so sorry, how very stressful. If you're not taking him to A&E, watch his respiratory rate, if you can, keep him in your bed for the night. I would put an alarm on and give calpol when he's due his next dose.

When was the last dose? If taken orally, it will take half an hour to an hour to be digested and go down.

Is there any drink he particularly likes during the day? Fruit shoots etc? He's ill so don't worry about it not being healthy please.

I'm sending lots of love from a mama whose son has had very high fevers all his life (he is only 3 but 40+ happens quickly in my house). If it goes down to 38.5, that's pretty good given it was in its 40s xx

Mo1911 · 21/01/2022 19:13

Hi there. I'm a nurse for what it's worth. I honestly wouldn't bother with 111, just take him straight to A&E, you want a temp like that down. While you're getting ready, put TEPID flannels or similar under his arms and in his groins and have someone wipe him down. DON'T use cold water. Don't dry him, let the water evaporate so it takes the heat with it. Change the flannels regularly but

Please go to A&E.

kittykat33 · 21/01/2022 19:15

Straight to A&E OP. Don't wait for 111.

Kitkat151 · 21/01/2022 19:16

Take him straight to a&e ....like now

LifesABotch · 21/01/2022 19:19

@Mo1911

Hi there. I'm a nurse for what it's worth. I honestly wouldn't bother with 111, just take him straight to A&E, you want a temp like that down. While you're getting ready, put TEPID flannels or similar under his arms and in his groins and have someone wipe him down. DON'T use cold water. Don't dry him, let the water evaporate so it takes the heat with it. Change the flannels regularly but

Please go to A&E.

Glad you have posted, sounds like by far the most sensible and safe advice. Hope your little one feels better soon, OP!
Original poster
MyComputerGetsSadWithoutMe · 21/01/2022 19:19

Okay, I had already packed a bag so I'll take him now, you're all right, I would rather it be a wasted journey than just say it's okay and it not be okay! I'll head over now and thank you.

OP posts:
DaftVader42 · 21/01/2022 19:24

Friend took their DS to A&E for similar, but with negative lfd test. Hospital did pcr and warned them if positive they would be sent home. It was, they were. With instructions to calpol, usual temp management etc.

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 21/01/2022 19:26

I hope he’s ok and gets seen quickly ☺️

Mo1911 · 21/01/2022 19:27

I'm glad OP. He's drowsy, very hot and it's not coming down much at all. He might need a wee bit more help in terms of antibiotics etc so he's back to bouncing around the place driving you nuts in no time. 😄

Keep us posted if you can. 💞

BurnDownTheDiscoHangTheDJ · 21/01/2022 19:28

I would go to A&E in your position. Good luck.

Bigkingdom · 21/01/2022 19:31

How worrying. I hope he is ok. You are doing the right thing by taking him to be seen

FindingMeno · 21/01/2022 19:31

Poor him and poor you.
Hope he's feeling a bit better soon Flowers