AIBU about calling 111

[TotallySuper]

My daughter is 4 and has had a sustained temp (with calpol) of between 38.8 and 39.9 since this morning. She also has a stiff neck and back and very tired but no other symptoms. Everything is telling me to call 111 as calpol isn't touching it but not sure if I'm over reacting? If you've called 111 recently anyone know what the wait times look like? Thanks

Have u given neurogenic too in between calpol doses?

Sorry nurofen?

I would call 111 for advice.

Call them. That's what they are there for. No idea on wait times at the moment but you're obviously concerned so call them. Hope she's better soon x

No I'm wary of nurofen as when we all had covid she had a reaction to it (well documented issue between ibuprofen and covid) and as this was last year and she may have covid again I'm wary to give it to her. LFT negative but still can't risk it.

Call! Tbh I’d call 999 that’s temps quite high and the stiff neck too…. If it was me I’d call 999When it comes to kids, just not worth the risk, it’s better to be nothing and have gone/called than something and had not!

A high temp and stiff neck are both classic signs of meningitis. I would definitely call 111.

I woukd ring 111 or take her to a+e because of the stiff neck.

I’m honestly not trying to scare you but the first thing that pops up with stiff neck and a temperature is meningitis- I just wouldn’t risk it. Could be a bug but better to be safe that sorry with those symptoms xx

Yes I did similar recently for my 4 year old, was sent to A&E due to DC having a stiff neck which turned out to be tonsillitis. Had a 4 hour wait and didn't get home until 1am. In hindsight would have gone to the walk in centre rather than A&E but that was what the Dr on 111 advised.

Who cares what the waiting time is: ring them. If her condition worsens take her to A&E.

@LeedleLee

A high temp and stiff neck are both classic signs of meningitis. I would definitely call 111.

That is my fear but I didnt want to say/type it out loud. Trying to remain calm. Have been on hold to 111 for 15 mins so far. I would feel wrong calling 999. Will give 111 45 mins to an hour on hold before I go down that route I think.

Those can also be signs of more serious illness. I'd call 111 straight away. Sorry to be a bit scary but better safe than sorry.

If you're waiting for much longer I would just put her in the car and take her to A&E. I'm not trying to scare you and it may not be anything serious, but it could be. Good luck, I hope you get a call back soon!

@FusciasBright21

Yes I did similar recently for my 4 year old, was sent to A&E due to DC having a stiff neck which turned out to be tonsillitis. Had a 4 hour wait and didn't get home until 1am. In hindsight would have gone to the walk in centre rather than A&E but that was what the Dr on 111 advised.

Her throat does look slightly swollen and red but only slightly and she's adamant her throat doesn't hurt. She is also off her food but is passing urine fine and its not Smelly etc.

I work for 111. With a fever and stiff neck (one of the questions we ask is if the patient can put their chin to their chest), it would be a huge red flag.

Never feel like you’re wasting time if you ring, we hear absolutely everything you could possibly think of.

At the very least you need to be calling 111, if not going straight to a&e

Also OP if you can't get through to 111 you don't need to ring 999. You can just take her to A&E yourself. You may well find there aren't ambulances available at all or for many hours currently so if you can drive or get a lift / taxi it would be quicker.

@WeAreTheHeroes

Who cares what the waiting time is: ring them. If her condition worsens take her to A&E.

You're right about the waiting time, I'll keep waiting I just wondered what others experience was as I know it can be an awful long time at the moment. Can't do it online as that's for over 5s only.

@Tickly

Also OP if you can't get through to 111 you don't need to ring 999. You can just take her to A&E yourself. You may well find there aren't ambulances available at all or for many hours currently so if you can drive or get a lift / taxi it would be quicker.

Thank you we can certainly drive her but I know from previously there is a young children's separate a&e at our hospital but can only be accessed via ambulance so I think I'd rather try and get referred that way than sit in normal a&e for a long time which I know she would hate.

Does her breath smell OP? My DD had tonsillitis with no sore throat, only a temperature and smelly breath.

@whataballbag

I work for 111. With a fever and stiff neck (one of the questions we ask is if the patient can put their chin to their chest), it would be a huge red flag.

Never feel like you’re wasting time if you ring, we hear absolutely everything you could possibly think of.

At the very least you need to be calling 111, if not going straight to a&e

Thank you I'll ask her to do the chin to chest thing now

@MBM18

Does her breath smell OP? My DD had tonsillitis with no sore throat, only a temperature and smelly breath.

No, I did smell it and it doesn't seem unusual.

She is able to put her chin to chest ok.

Any joy getting through yet?

Just because she can do that doesn’t necessarily rule anything out, I hasten to add. It’s just something asked. I’d be surprised if they don’t recommend an ED with those symptoms