To disregard a one off high temperature reading.

[Bobby29]

Hi all, basically DS’s temperature is nearly always around the 37.1-37.4 mark which is his normal.

Mine, partners and DD’s is usually 36.4ish.

Since the summer holidays started I have been taking their temperatures daily just because we are out and about (but still social distancing).

DS’s can be anything from 36.9-37.5 but as I said above most commonly around 37.1-37.4.

This morning I took his temperature. Admittedly it was not long after he woke up and he does wrap himself in the quilt and his fleece throw all night (he has asd and sensory issues and wraps himself up even when it’s warm). His temperature was 37.7!! So I panicked thinking s**t shall I book a covid test. I checked again half an hour later it was 37.1! Been checking every hour since this morning and it’s around 37.1-37.3. We have scrapped our plans and stayed in today to keep an eye on him.

But would you disregard a one off reading if it’s been Normal since? Obviously I will check this afternoon and before bed etc or should I be worried?

He’s fine in himself and does not feel hot. I can usually tell when he has a fever as he becomes very lethargic, hot and seems disengaged with the world but he’s fine!! I guess 37.7 as a one off isn’t particularly higher than his usual average but would be for the rest of us having lower body temperatures?

I use a forehead no contact thermometer!

Advice?

I wouldn’t have to disregard it as I wouldn’t be taking them. I’ve never taken anyone’s temperature in my life!
I know that a school 8 used to work at was taking temps on entry before the holidays and anyone who was high had a retest in 10 minutes and if it was normal were allowed in to continue the day, so I think you can probably ignore.
I’m not sure temp is a great indicator of anything g though - I assume if you are asymptomatic that also includes temperature, and if you get symptoms they are the best indicator of illness.

I thought a high temperature is a temperature above 38? 37.7 doesn't sound high to me.

I would disregard it. It’s only 0.3-0.5 above his usual temperature, he has no other symptoms and doesn’t feel hot, it’s gone back down now and 37.8 is the cut off for “high” anyway.

I would disregard it and get rid of your thermometer to be honest. You will drive yourself crazy. At the very least I would only check if they seem unwell.

I also don't think that's a high temp for a child? So yes, I would disregard .

Dd had an actual high temp a while ago and we did book her a covid test (negative if it matters), but that was definitely 38+.

Is it not 37.8⁰C and above that is regarded as a high temperature. I would stop with the constant temperature checks tbh.

I would just carry on as you are doing. I always take temperature a couple of times a week at different times. Sometimes I get an irregular reading, then I just wait 30 minutes and take it again.

It's 37.8°C and above that counts. So you're asking if you should discount a normal temperature. Discount away

You sound very anxious about temperature taking.

I run hot just like your DS. So I assume 'fever' is above my normal, not an average.

And put the thermometer down, it's not helping you.

Crikey calm down. You need to stop with the temperature taking or you will drive yourselves and everyone else round the twist. I can’t believe people are doing this!

It’s good to know what is normal for you as a baseline but taking temperatures daily is really excessive.

Did the child actually have a fever of any sort? On none of your readings did it meet the clinical definition of a fever, or the COVID recommendation.

People's temperature changes all the time, if as soon as the body went to 37.7 degrees a test was required no-one would be able to do any exercise at all. Do you actually check feeling hot on back/chest (which is even what the government guidelines say to check not the thermometer)? rather than the obsession with the daily temperature readings?

Thanks all! I know I need to stop the thermometer use. I have very vulnerable family members and I get so anxious about the virus.

Imo you can really tell when a child has a fever without one! DS has had fevers in the past and been very poorly!! (Last time was not long before lockdown actually so makes me wonder if he had it then his temperature was 39 and very poorly. So yeah I do really need to stop using it!

Imo you can really tell when a child has a fever without one!

The forehead kiss test is never wrong.

Another one who has never taken their child’s temperature (they’ve survived to ages 12 and 8 at this point). Rather that worrying about his temperature this morning, which was no doubt just a normal fluctuation, I would invest the energy into dealing with your anxiety. I don’t mean this harshly - kids pick up on this sort of thing.

I think that constant temperature taking would be unnerving for kids and could provoke anxiety. If they appear unwell that is another issue but otherwise, imo it is not a good thing to be be doing for their MH.

I think you need to try to get some perspective and take a step back.

Ignore. DS had recent outpatient appointment at hospital. Had a long hot walk to get there. His initial temp reading was 37.6 and mine was 37.4 but after sitting in cool waiting area both had dropped - mine to 36.7 and his to 37.1. Nurse said is a common issue with this type of thermometer.