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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

4yr old with v.low temp - what would you do?

100 replies

AlexCrowe84 · 28/03/2020 23:29

My 4yr old has been a bit coldy recently, but happy enough in herself. Tonight she stayed up later than normal as a treat (9pm, usually asleep by 7:30pm).

As I was getting her ready for bed she was grouchy and tearful which is unlike her, but I put it down to her being over tired. She told me she had a headache, so I gave her 10mls of Calpol and she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

I've just come to bed and checked on her, and she felt really cold, with a cold sweat on her back. I've taken her temperature numerous times in both ears, and the highest reading I got was 34c, with the lowest being 32.8c. My thermometer isn't the most reliable, but it's recording my temperature as between 36.1c and 36.8c so hers is clearly at least a couple of degrees lower than mine. I've tried to wake her gently, but she's having none of it and is in a really deep sleep. I've taken her into the spare room to sleep with me so I can keep an eye on her, and I currently have her wrapped in a dressing gown, cuddled up with me under the duvet.
I'll be checking on her regularly in the night.

Normally I wouldn't hesitate to take her to A&E to get checked over, but with Covid-19 I'm keen to avoid going out with her, especially to hospitals where it's very likely we'll come into contact with it. We have one hospital in our entire county, and it has numerous cases at the moment.

I'm torn over what to do for the best... Google doesn't really have any info on low temperatures with children, apart from talking about hypothermia. But how can it be that? She's not been exposed to anything that would cause it at all.

Advice greatly received - thank you.

OP posts:
FuzzyTights · 29/03/2020 00:45

I hope your daughter's ok OP 💐

titnomatani · 29/03/2020 00:45

Oh gosh, just stumbled across this thread. Rooting for your DH to be well. Please keep us updated.

macaroniandpizza · 29/03/2020 00:50

Hope your dd will be okay

ThelmaDinkley · 29/03/2020 00:54

Sending best wishes for your little girl and you. Hope your little one is ok Flowers

TheMotherofAllDilemmas · 29/03/2020 00:59

Good that you are getting help so quickly. Hope she feels better soon.

Quarantimespringclean · 29/03/2020 02:01

I think you’ve done the right thing but wanted to post something positive - when my DC were little I realised through trial and error that as a family we regularly register 2/3 degrees lowers than is considered healthy. I eventually got to the point where I threw away the thermometers and just relied on touch. Once I knew their base temps would always be low I knew there was something wrong if they felt warmer than normal. .

All that being said, it took me a while to work out what was too hot or too cold and what was normal for them. In a situation like we have now you need to rely on both the numbers and your gut feeling. You’ve done exactly that and I hope your DC is doing well. Flowers

AlexCrowe84 · 29/03/2020 02:04

UPDATE:

The paramedics have just left. By the time they arrived (around half hour ago) my daughter's temperature had risen to 35c. They managed to wake her, and I think the fact that we had strangers in our house had a much better response than I could have got by myself. She awoke and was lucidly chatting to them after a while, whilst they checked get SATs, blood sugars, response to light etc. All checks came back with normal results. My daughter confirmed that her headache had gone and she felt ok. The paramedics were very kind and very thorough, checking her symptoms with a doctor over the phone.
They were satisfied with her presentation as they saw it, and advised me to keep a close eye on her overnight, which I will do. They’ve advised that if I have any further concerns, to call back or to go straight to A&E.

I just wanted to thank you all for all of your advice and your concern. It’s much appreciated Flowers

OP posts:
Weenurse · 29/03/2020 02:04

💐

MrsRabbitsCleaner · 29/03/2020 02:07

That sounds positive Op. I hope she’s back to her normal self in the morning. What a worry for you Brew

TheMotherofAllDilemmas · 29/03/2020 02:09

Great to hear she is fine and thanks for the update. Did they mention what it could have been?

TheMotherofAllDilemmas · 29/03/2020 02:10

... but now take a rest and a nice cup of tea, this must have been very scary for you. BrewFlowers

ohfourfoxache · 29/03/2020 02:12

I’m so glad she’s warmer - must have been really scary

Hope you manage to get some rest

ThelmaDinkley · 29/03/2020 02:18

Good to hear your update. Hope you have a peaceful night and little one feels better.

Coyoacan · 29/03/2020 02:20

Phew!

Jenasaurus · 29/03/2020 02:26

A body temperature of 34.8 - 35ºC in children can also be very dangerous and you should take them quickly to see their doctor or follow the necessary recommendations to raise their body temperature. Children should have a minimum temperature of 36 degrees

SquashedSpring · 29/03/2020 02:27

So pleased to hear that, wishing you both well.

Jenasaurus · 29/03/2020 02:27

sorry posted too soon without reading the whole thread glad she is ok

Quarantimespringclean · 29/03/2020 02:36

I’m so pleased she is ok and also so grateful that even in the midst of these turbulent times the NHS could send out a team to check on your little girl and spare the time and attention to give her the best possible care. People in the U.K. complain about tax and NI so often and forget how lucky we are to have access to a world class service.

I hope you sleep well and she is on top form tomorrow. Flowers

SE13Mummy · 29/03/2020 02:39

That's a positive update, lovely to read. Do download that checklist I posted earlier and keep an eye on your daughter's urine output. Hopefully you won't need anymore medical input and she'll be properly well in the morning.

Addler · 29/03/2020 09:59

Glad to hear it, hopefully she feels much better soon and no more scares!

mrshoho · 29/03/2020 10:17

glad to hear that she doing well 😊

ladymary86 · 29/03/2020 12:02

What a relief for you OP. So glad she's alright

Mutedgrey · 29/03/2020 12:29

Thank you for updating us. Great news...

LadyEloise · 29/03/2020 14:25

So glad your dd is ok.
Paramedics and firefighters are superheroes in my eyes.

Justaboy · 29/03/2020 15:32

Good result bottle of Prosecco or two for mum! Dr's orders:)

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