When to worry about a fever

[Ostryga]

Dd is 5 so I’m usually fine with fevers etc, but she’s had both calpol and ibuprofen and it’s not coming down below 38.7.

No rash, and I can still wake her etc but I have just a horrid feeling for no reason. Think I just need talking down tbh. Am a single parent so no one else to talk to at this time

It's not so much the number you need to worry about, it's how they are. Keep offering fluids. If she is very listless/lethargic then her her seen. Otherwise keep an eye, regular meds and fluids little and often.

If you are feeling that worried, call Nhs NOW, IMMEDIATELY. The worst they will say is "there's no reason for you to call".

Have you removed bedding/clothing? Cool compresses? Ring 111 for advice.

Any chance it could be covid? DD (4) just got over it and the main symptom was unrelenting fever for 36 hours. We were alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen as often as allowed but it barely made a difference and she was burning the whole time with cold hands and feet. I was trying not to panic as most places say that up to 3 days is still normal for fevers in small children. She was eating and drinking though and didn't have a rash or vomiting so we thought it was a run of the mill bug. Only realised it was covid when I got a fever two days later and tested instantly positive. By that time she was back to her usual self again.

She’s on the couch next to me and I’ve just gone through all the questions with 111 and waiting for a callback. She seems fine, wakes up when I wake her, has had a wee, is coherent etc.

No idea at all why this has freaked me out but just can’t shake that weird feeling. Even though I can see she’s right here and ok.

No idea at all why this has freaked me out but just can’t shake that weird feeling.

She's your child. This is a completely understandable feeling to me.

Glad she's okay and 111 has initially reassured you and her.

I’d get her seen by Out of hours Dr tomorrow tbh. I don’t think you need to be majorly concerned currently but the temperature not coming down much with calpol/nurofen could be indicating a bacterial infection which needs antibiotics such as urine or ear infection. I hope she feels better soon

What made you check her temperature?

If she’s taking fluids and weeing, and able to tolerate the medication, I wouldn’t worry too much. I’d get her seen at the Gp tomorrow.