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Original poster

My 2 year old has a temp of 38.6, please advise

175 replies

Osiras · 20/04/2020 20:54

I cannot for want of trying get through on 111 for advice. Doctors closed.

I may be overreacting, if so then please do say.

He's 2 and autistic, he can't communicate how he feels but has been a bit grumpy and been off his food for the past 2 days (very unlike him). He has eaten very small amounts.

He came and laid on my lap on the sofa and he is burning hot to touch. I stripped him down, tried to give him Calpol (which he spat out) and offered him juice which he refused.

He isn't drowsy and seems ok in himself other than being off his food. He's currently playing on his tablet babbling away.

There may have been covid in the house last month (I was unwell) but no test so no confirmation.

He's never had a temperature like this before so I'm panicking.

OP posts:
LinManWellWellWell · 20/04/2020 21:59

As others have said, as long as he is well in himself there’s no need to panic. My kids tend to get random fevers (where they feel hot to touch) when they are fighting something. That said given the current climate there’s no harm in having a phone chat to your GP if you can’t get through to 111 - to put your mind at ease if anything else! And tell DH to bog off...honestly! Hmm

Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:00

I'm using the thermometer under his armpit yes, but I've no idea if it's calibrated for under arm use because we've had it for three years and the box is long gone

OP posts:
Hohofortherobbers · 20/04/2020 22:02

Is it an underarm temp? If so, then it's likely to be be reading a little low and true temp much higher (+1 degree) Under tongue or ear with an ear probe thermometer is more accurate

snowegg · 20/04/2020 22:04

Maybe he just has a bit of a sore throat, would explain the not wanting to eat?

Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:04

The only way I'll get it under his tongue is once he has gone to sleep, I'll be doing that as soon as he drifts off. Thank you

We don't have an ear probe thermometer unfortunately

OP posts:
Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:05

A sore throat is possible, there is just no way for me to confirm or not because he doesn't talk or gesture his needs Sad

OP posts:
etopp · 20/04/2020 22:06

OP, I've just done a conversion thing and 38.6 is 101.5 in real money (I say this for my own benefit, as I only measured my DC's temperatures in Fahrenheit).

101.5 is definitely a temperature, but it's what I would have called "quite high" when mine were small. One used to have sudden temperatures of 104 (40 celsius, acc. to Google), and I never liked those.

Calpol, sponging, and keep an eye. A GP neighbour suggested an electric fan for my sudden-temperature-DC, which did help.

Morechocmorechoc · 20/04/2020 22:08

Wow, I cant believe you've gone 2 years without a temp. Congratulations. You will have many, many more of these occasions!

It's really not that high, also really dont calpol him unless hes in severe pain. We only use if desperate and its 2am and nobody has slept. The fever is important. It is how the body fights infection. If you keep giving medicine to reduce it you are massively slowing down the ability to fight it.

Most likely it will go up and down, he will get more sleepy and grouchy, then feel better then worse again. If he gets so drowsy you cant wake him, develops a rash that doesnt go away or stops taking fluids then you need to seek assistance. NHS guidelines is fever should not last more than 5 days.

Dont bother calling 111, they cant help you with an otherwise happy child.

Mummyamy123 · 20/04/2020 22:08

Off topic, be really careful with that thermometer. I picked one up last week, my little girl pulled the end off and said ‘mummy look it’s got medicine in’ very easily accessible button battery!!!!

Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:10

I've got an electric fan here but the problem is he's terrified of it. He has sensory processing issues and fans/hoovers/hairdryers frighten him

When he goes to sleep I'll try to sneak it on, on a low setting

OP posts:
Morechocmorechoc · 20/04/2020 22:11

The sponging and fan thing is old school and not recommended.....check NHS website. As above, fever is important. Also trying to cool to quickly can lead to shivering which rapidly brings the temp back up, going up rapidly rather than slowly which the body naturally does is bad.

Morechocmorechoc · 20/04/2020 22:11

OP DO NOT FAN HIM

Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:12

Oh crikey thank you for the warning mummyamy, I make sure it's never left within reach Smile

OP posts:
percentageshelp · 20/04/2020 22:12

I wouldn't put a fan on and definitely don't sponge him. You don't want to cause him to shiver as that in turn can raise core temperature.
Don't over bundle him in clothes, just light pjs and light blanket. That temperature will not harm him.

Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:13

Is the fanning dangerous for a fever? I was going to have it on in the room but the opposite side, just to cool the air when he sleeps.

I definitely won't be doing if it's dangerous

OP posts:
Worried74 · 20/04/2020 22:14

Hi, don't know if it will help but as a parent of an autistic child all Calpol was disguised in pink milk

Bluehill · 20/04/2020 22:15

38.6 is very high for a temp. Especially a child. It’s even high for an adult.

redferrari · 20/04/2020 22:15

Mix the calpol with flavoured yogurt or kids smoothie

Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:15

Thanks worried, it's a good idea

OP posts:
Original poster
Osiras · 20/04/2020 22:16

Bluehill that was my concern. I think i'd worry if my temp was that high but then I am a panicker.

Redfarrari also good ideas thank you

OP posts:
Twigletfairy · 20/04/2020 22:19

Don't panic! Totally agree with pp who said treat the child not the temperature.

My 3 year old recently had tonsillitis a few weeks ago, apparently it's been doing the rounds. Her temperature was 39.5 after Calpol. But she was lethargic, complaining about the lights, saying her head was hurting, struggling to drink etc. Once we switched to ibuprofen (under medical guidance) her temperature came right down and she perked right up. It wasn't a horrendous case of tonsillitis, it was the fever that was making her feel so unwell.

The main thing is to keep fluids up, any form will do. We was told that juice can actually be a good choice when not eating. In fact we was advised to make a sugar water solution for my daughter (she should have gone to hospital but they said it was riskier to take her). But it sounds like he doesn't need that at the moment. But even things like ice lollies can help maintain fluid levels.

Good luck, it's never nice to see children unwell. And just remember all the usual illnesses are still doing the rounds as well

Morechocmorechoc · 20/04/2020 22:19

It's really not high Bluehill. Dont scare the OP. My 3 year old was 39.2 last week, 39 years month before and just over 40 in December with the flu.

Bluehill · 20/04/2020 22:20

@Osiras I’ve never witnessed anybody’s temp at 40+ and I’ve done job 8 years. It’s different with an adult/older child. I would definitely keep an eye. Usually hospitals will never let a child go home with a temp that high 38.6. Id be concerned.

Quartz2208 · 20/04/2020 22:20

www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/fever-children

it says 39 for over 3 months

Bluehill · 20/04/2020 22:22

@Morechocmorechoc the thing is you don’t want to chance it with kids. 39.2 is very high also. Average temp is 36.0-37.5. Most GPS would not just send you home with a temp of 39.2 what would you class as high? I’ve had to take my child to hospital because of a fever (not sure how high it was) he started to shake.