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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

High temperature

16 replies

LadyOfTheManor · 02/03/2011 16:43

Sorry for listing here, have tried Googling it to no avail.

What is the "normal" temp for a 1 year old?

My son appears to be unwell, no spots but has a temp on 39oc AFTER having some calpol. Is this ok?

OP posts:
Original poster
LadyOfTheManor · 02/03/2011 16:43

*of

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bubbleymummy · 02/03/2011 16:48

A fever is over 38 so he's still quite hot. When did he have the calpol? Have you tried stripping him down etc? I wouldn't worry about the temp necessarily unless he seems uncomfortable (in which case you could try ibuprofen) or is unresponsive or there are other symptoms like difficulty breathing/rash etc(in which case get him seen by a doctor)

Rhinestone · 02/03/2011 16:49

According to this link it should be 36 - 36.8 degrees C.

www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/childrenfever.htm

Original poster
LadyOfTheManor · 02/03/2011 16:50

Thanks, that says anything above 37 is high for a baby. He's had calpol so how long should I leave it before taking his temperature again?

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Rhinestone · 02/03/2011 16:52

Think you should speak to a doctor to be honest.

I'm a 'Googling' professional but not a medical professional. Hope everything is ok.

Original poster
LadyOfTheManor · 02/03/2011 16:52

He had calpol about an hour ago. He's stripped down to his nappy there's no rash etc. and he isn't sick nor has he had diarrhoea...so should I wait or should I give him bruphen as well ?

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lazylula · 02/03/2011 16:56

I am sure you know this, but incase you do not, try giving a tepid bath or sponging down and leaving him in a vest and nappy, with a thin sheet on him if he is laying down. Also, I believe that ibruprofen is meant to be good with a temp. It isn't something I use, but I know a lot of people recommend that to be used along with paracetamol, taking the doses spread out. Sorry if you know all this, just trying to help.

bubbleymummy · 02/03/2011 16:57

If you want some reassurance call your GP - how do you think he is? NICE guidelines say not to treat fevers unless they're uncomfortable with them so if he's not acting sick then he's probably ok but check it out if you're worried.

lazylula · 02/03/2011 16:57

Blush crossed posts, sorry.

Casserole · 02/03/2011 16:59

Here they say unless temp goes over 40 degrees with calpol they don't need to see them.

But if you're worried, ring Smile

ginnybag · 02/03/2011 17:01

Well, if it's been an hour then the Calpol is working. How does your son seem? How worried are you?

If he seems fine 'in himself' then wait another hour and give Nurofen as well. See if that works.

In your position, though, and if you're worried I'd be getting him looked at. I promise you most Dr's and nurses would rather see 600 'well' kids and reassure the parents than miss one that needed to be seen. If you have a walk in centre near you, that would be ideal.

GruffalosGirl · 02/03/2011 17:03

When our DS was in hospital with pneumonia the doctors all told us that ibuprofen is much more effective at bringing down a temperature than calpol is and this seems to be true with our DS but if he doesn't seem at all ill and his temperature is not rising you might want to check with the GP or out of hours before giving him anything else.

McDreamy · 02/03/2011 17:05

Have you got some nurofen? It's better at bringing down a temp than calpol. Hope your DS feels better soon, I hate it when the children are ill.

loftyjen · 02/03/2011 17:06

36.8C as max temp for a child is stoopidly low... I'm a paeds A&E nurse and we don't worry as long as it's below 38C and most kids are between 37-37.8C typically.

If he's well and happy in himself, taking fluids well, then don't stress too much about the fever (unless prev history of feb convulsions).

Fever is the body's response to infection and raising the temp helps the white blood cells fight the infection effectively - thus continually dampening this can lengthen the illness.

However, if they are miserable/not taking fluids well (any food taken in think of as a bonus rather than essential, meanwhile get them to drink as much if not more than normal) then regular paracetamol/brufen is beneficial as it helps them feel better and drink. Hope this helps = gotta run as by DD has just woken up! x

Original poster
LadyOfTheManor · 02/03/2011 18:44

Thanks so much for all your help! I rang the GP and he said he'd like to see him. We got there about 90 minutes after the does of Calpol and he was 38.7. He has an ear infection apparently :( so he's got some antibiotics...just had a cool bath and dosed up!

Thanks for the help in my mad moment of panic! Much appreciated.

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