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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To worry about a low temperature?

25 replies

ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 08/10/2021 05:34

2 year old DS has been poorly since yesterday. Woke up yesterday and didn't want to do anything other than lie on the sofa, wouldn't eat (which I know is ok when they are poorly) but we have all had this horrid cold (negative pcr) so I wasn't too worried.
Today I heard him choking so just ran in to his room and he was bringing up lots of mucus (green coloured) and struggling. He's so pale he's almost a grey colour, tried to give him calpol but he won't take it, won't drink anything either. checked his temperature and it's 35.4. Checked again ten mins later and it's 35.8.. he's wearing long pjs and a thick fluffy all in one sleep suit but is shivering lots. I know you normally have to only worry with a high temperature but is this temp too low?

OP posts:
Justilou1 · 08/10/2021 05:39

Yes. Definitely. There are lots of reasons why your child could be hypothermic and you need to call 111 at least, but I suspect you will be told to go to A&E.

OnOldOlympus · 08/10/2021 05:46

A low temperature can be a symptom of being seriously unwell in the same way a high temperature can. With the symptoms you describe I would be going to A&E.

Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 08/10/2021 06:00

I've just spoken to 111 who said we will get a call back within the hour

OP posts:
SnackSizeRaisin · 08/10/2021 06:01

The temperature might be fine depending how it's measured - under arm would expect 36 but if it's a forehead one could be lower and still fine.

However he's very young and if you are worried just trust your instincts. You might be better off calling the GP when they open. I waited 6 hours for a call back from 111 recently and that was for a 2 month old baby. And after being on hold for 45 mins

SnackSizeRaisin · 08/10/2021 06:02

I've just spoken to 111 who said we will get a call back within the hour

Cross post. Hope your little one is better soon

OnOldOlympus · 08/10/2021 06:04

How is he doing now? Honestly with a two year who is grey-faced, cold, and not taking even calpol I’d go straight to hospital instead of waiting for a call back. 111 is a great resource but the call handlers aren’t medically trained and won’t always steer you down the right path.

Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 08/10/2021 06:04

@SnackSizeRaisin

The temperature might be fine depending how it's measured - under arm would expect 36 but if it's a forehead one could be lower and still fine.

However he's very young and if you are worried just trust your instincts. You might be better off calling the GP when they open. I waited 6 hours for a call back from 111 recently and that was for a 2 month old baby. And after being on hold for 45 mins

It was done with a digital ear thermometer. It's coming up now and is 36 but I'm still worried as he won't drink anything and is soo pale. Hoping someone will phone me back soon. Hope your little one is better now
OP posts:
Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 08/10/2021 06:05

@OnOldOlympus

How is he doing now? Honestly with a two year who is grey-faced, cold, and not taking even calpol I’d go straight to hospital instead of waiting for a call back. 111 is a great resource but the call handlers aren’t medically trained and won’t always steer you down the right path.
Thanks for the advice, I'm going to give it another 20 mins I think and if I don't hear anything will probably just go to A&E. I just worry they are going to say it's just a cold and we're wasting their time Blush
OP posts:
douliket · 08/10/2021 06:08

Temperature is completely normal and is in no way considered hypothermic.

However, your little boy sounds quite sick,bring him to be checked out by medical professionals,do not wait for callback. As he is so young they will
Have to advise seeking medical review.

GAW19 · 08/10/2021 06:26

The symptoms you said are the exact same to when my DD had very had tonsillitis around 2 months ago. She kept chocking out of nowhere too. It turned out it was actually the puss from her tonsils dripping down her throat and into her stomach that was causing it. We ended up in A&E too.
Hope he's better soon Thanks

MyOtherProfile · 08/10/2021 06:28

Hope you're both ok.

silentpool · 08/10/2021 06:35

With a low temp, always watch out for sepsis.

www.sepsis.org/sepsis-basics/symptoms/

PlasticCupPolitics · 08/10/2021 06:38

@douliket

Temperature is completely normal and is in no way considered hypothermic.

However, your little boy sounds quite sick,bring him to be checked out by medical professionals,do not wait for callback. As he is so young they will
Have to advise seeking medical review.

It is not a normal temperature at 35.4°, anything below 36° is concerning and can be a sign of sepsis.

Anything below 35° is considered hypothermic.

Obviously now it has risen to 36 it is less concerning but this is why we shouldn’t be getting medical advice from strangers on the internet…

Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 08/10/2021 06:41

Well we've had a call back and they've said it sounds viral so there's nothing they can do and don't need to see him. I'm probably going to call the gp this morning though as he isn't drinking at all and hasn't had a wet nappy since 6pm yesterday so surely that's a bit of a worry?

OP posts:
Verybookish · 08/10/2021 06:46

Yes, definitely call gp. I would be worried too

Balonzette · 08/10/2021 06:46

When it comes to your baby, you don't need to listen to phone advice from someone who hasn't even seen him. Take him to A&E. It's not worth the risk.

ilanois · 08/10/2021 06:49

I would have thought a grey cold young child warranted an ED trip. Ignore 111 and go.

joell75 · 08/10/2021 06:53

I honestly wouldn't hesitate to take him to A & E. I say that both as a mum and a med student. I think he needs to have a medic actually lay eyes on him. Some of his symptoms would certainly warrant an assesment. If it turns out to be nothing, all the better, nothing lost.

Original poster
ohIdoliketobebesidethesea · 08/10/2021 06:59

Thanks everyone, I've got my mom on her way over to take my DD to school for me so I can go and get him seen. I've bagged up his nappy from last night to show how dry it is, when I worked it out he hasn't had a drink since about 2pm yesterday and even that was just a sip so I'll definitely be taking him to be seen

OP posts:
ofwarren · 08/10/2021 06:59

I'd just take him to A&E OP. They have a separate place for kids so you generally don't wait as long.
I get low temperature with viruses, rather than high ones. With covid I was shivering at 35.2 and just couldn't warm up.

sorrysaywhatnow · 08/10/2021 07:11

You're doing the right thing taking him, no question. Sepsis is a very real threat and needs ruling out ASAP.

TinaYouFatLard · 08/10/2021 07:14

You’re doing the right thing OP. Trust your instinct.

I had a bad experience with 111 earlier this year and would never take them seriously again.

chocolateorangeinhaler · 08/10/2021 07:15

Weigh an unused nappy and take the weight of that away from the used nappy. 1ml of fluid = 1g. So no maths to be done.
Weigh fluids taken in too. It's more useful info for the docs.

Justilou1 · 08/10/2021 08:43

I hope your little man is okay. I wouldn’t wait it out.

MyOtherProfile · 08/10/2021 23:36

Hope you are all ok.

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