To have never taken my children's' temperature

[welliewarmer]

I have two DC, 12 and 8. They often had a temperature when young; it was always obvious and I gave them calpol til they felt better. Currently my eldest is ill with a temperature and cough - I've been giving him a paracetamol every four hours and lots of liquids. He's just gone to bed as was looking very grey and unwell, also shivering but said he didn't feel cold. The room was warm. He wasn't sweating. He still just feels hot to the touch, rather that boiling, But I don't think I've ever seen him look so ill.

Maybe silly question but when a child's temperature gets dangerously high, what are the symptoms? As I don't actually own a thermometer.

And to the poster claiming that not having a thermometer is bordering on negligent, have a word with yourself, what a wanky thing to say

Not being able to accurately measure a child's temperature when the equipment to do so is cheap, reliable and accessible? I do think that's really poor. It's not wanky to say so at all.

Thinking using your hand is somehow comparable is delusional. It might indicate a normal or raised temperature but no more than that.

@mizzo

I don't know what difference knowing the figure makes. If they're hot and unwell they're hot and unwell regardless of how hot they are.

Because certain temperatures are safe to deal with at home, whereas others can require urgent medical care and hospitalisation for things like sepsis, meningitis, infection or even cancer.

@Abouttimemum

And Christ I give the poor kid calpol when he’s unwell. Just like I take painkillers when I’m unwell.

Why do we compete over who can give their kids the least medical care and attention?

Bonkers, isn’t it? “I don’t tuck my kids under a blanket on the sofa when they’re feeling rotten like lots of parents do, why mollycoddle them.”

It’s Calpol, not crack, and makes them feel better. I rejoice at its invention tbh.

Because certain temperatures are safe to deal with at home, whereas others can require urgent medical care and hospitalisation for things like sepsis, meningitis, infection or even cancer.

I know a temperature can be a sign of serious illness but that's almost always accompanied by other symptoms. If my child has symptoms of sepsis or meningitis I'd get medical help regardless of if their temperature was 38 or 40.

But why wouldn’t you have a cheap piece of kit, it’s not like they are prohibitively expensive

I've got an amazing electric thermometer that goes across head so quick and accurate. It sounds your DS could well have Covid again. I'd definitely do a lateral flow test ASAP.

I’m amazed you’ve managed to get this far without a thermometer. Our school still daily temp checks kids and nursery will communicate figures. Everytime mine have been to the gp one of the first questions is what the temp is. Most of the time they seem to look at the child rather than the temp itself but there have been a number of times when the temp itself has been a concern. We had one time when my 2yo was hitting 41 despite calpol: 111 nurse was worried and said straight to A&E and staff sent her straight up to paeds. I’ve also found one of mine has tended to be quite poorly once she hits 39.5 or higher. I’m much more relaxed with a lower fever.

@mizzo

Because certain temperatures are safe to deal with at home, whereas others can require urgent medical care and hospitalisation for things like sepsis, meningitis, infection or even cancer.

I know a temperature can be a sign of serious illness but that's almost always accompanied by other symptoms. If my child has symptoms of sepsis or meningitis I'd get medical help regardless of if their temperature was 38 or 40.

True, but sometimes it's nice to have some reassurance that their temperature hasn't reached danger levels and can be treated at home.

True, but sometimes it's nice to have some reassurance that their temperature hasn't reached danger levels and can be treated at home.
I've no idea of what a dangerous level would be for a child though.
DD used to get tonsillitis regularly and her temperature at GP surgery was usually 40, she'd be ill but fine at home.
DS1 once had food poisoning and had a temperature of 39, he was almost delirious and the GP sent us straight to hospital.

I know in a baby under three months it's advised to seek advice for 38 upwards and 39 in a 3-6 month old but I don't think there is the same advice for older children or adults.

They aren't expensive. They cost about 7 quid for a basic one.

It's important because just touch wont give you an accurate reading. For example last week DS had a high temp with covid so I monitored him more closely when his temp was creeping up to 39degrees. If it turned to 40 I was calling the GP for further advice. But at times while he was burning up his head was often deceptively cooler.