To think there is so much conflicting advice about treating a fever!

[WhenZogateSuperworm]

2.9 year old DS has a temperature of 40.2. Slightly off his food but no other signs of being unwell. Is playing normal. NHS says use calpol but don’t sponge him down, NICE guidelines say don’t use anything if he isn’t distressed as it won’t treat the underlining reason!

I never know what to do for the best!

No calpol will not treat the underlying reason but will bring his temp down to make him more comfortable.
I would recommend a dose before bed as you won't be watchimg him then and i assume his temp can creep up higher and you won't know.
My mum always said you have a temp for a reason, it is your body fighting the infection, if you constantly lower it the infection lasts longer.
Strip him down, plenty of fluids and try to get him to chill/rest for a bit .
I don't believe in calpol every 4 hours for a temp only but thats just me

If DS seemed ok in himself I'd hold off on the call, if his temp goes over 40 we tend to know he's not well though so he'd usually have some.

I've never sponged him down, or done anything else except encourage him to drink enough.

Plenty of fluids. Keep him cool and comfortable. Calpol at night. Perhaps a little fruit as I believe in vitamin c. Keep an eye out for rashes and earaches.

Over 40 would always be Calpol for me (although mine tend to be inevitably miserable with a fever - I know some kids act perfectly fine though). One other major thing, if you are living somewhere experiencing high heat, I would be very vigilant about hydration as he is so small and presumably respiring rapidly from the fever and losing water through sweat. Do you habe a Dioralyte or similar rehydration drink to prevent dehydration? Or slightly diluted orange juice with a small spoon of salt.

To be honest, I really wouldn’t be content leaving a fever above 40 entirely untreated in a child under 3. I don’t think there isn’t strong evidence for improved outcomes if the fever runs its course. The risk to a body that small of dehydration or over heating is not negligible. I’d prefer to err on the side of Calpol.

Best wishes, hope he recovers soon.

And yes, the not sponging down has been advised for quite some time now. Obviously don’t over dress him or bundle him in huge blankets but don’t actively chill his body either.

I gave him a dose of calpol as he got whingy and it’s come down to 38. He is running round the garden like a nutter now!