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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To NOT call 111 for these symptoms in DD (6)?

64 replies

coffeepleeease · 10/12/2022 11:58

She has had a cough for 3 days, high temp of up to 39.8 for 2 days, but lower in the day, some vomiting but mostly from congestion/coughing. She's alert, eating albeit small amounts and drinking.

Ex DH wants me to call 111 and is basically going on and on saying I always leave it too late to see a doctor. Last time she was unwell it turned into a chest infection, but I took her to see a doctor as soon as her chest sounded rattly. Time before that I took her once her temp had been high for 5 days (as it says on NHS website) and it was an ear infection. Those are the two most recent examples. So yes, both those times it was something more than just a cold virus, but I don't see the point in taking her BEFORE any signs of an infection.

So AIBU? Or is he?

OP posts:
GetOffTheRoof · 10/12/2022 12:15

If she'll take tablets, why not give her an appropriate dose of paracetamol in tablet form? It's only done as Calpol for ease of giving it, but that children mustn't take tablets. Looks like 250mg (half a normal dose) is the dose for her age, but check it on here: www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/how-and-when-to-give-paracetamol-for-children/

Original poster
coffeepleeease · 10/12/2022 12:16

McBurgerTime · 10/12/2022 12:14

I was sent that from both children's schools. I don't think you're unreasonable not to call and I don't think he is unreasonable to think it's worth calling about. But he can come and get her if he thinks it's worth doing rather than assigning you that job.

Thank you for sharing the info

OP posts:
Original poster
coffeepleeease · 10/12/2022 12:17

GetOffTheRoof · 10/12/2022 12:15

If she'll take tablets, why not give her an appropriate dose of paracetamol in tablet form? It's only done as Calpol for ease of giving it, but that children mustn't take tablets. Looks like 250mg (half a normal dose) is the dose for her age, but check it on here: www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/how-and-when-to-give-paracetamol-for-children/

I've tried tablets, she has a really sensitive gag reflux so can't swallow them, even crushed up. I've also tried the Calpol meltlets that dissolve on the tongue but she just spits them out!

OP posts:
FermisLeftFoot · 10/12/2022 12:18

I can see both points of view. I think right now 111 is not necessary, but I did wince a bit at five days of a high temp which was an ear infection - surely she was in a ton of pain?? A chest infection too can worsen without treatment of left too long so i’d kind of side with him on those issues.

With Strep A as well I would be more cautious than normal. Overall, I think he has a point and if she has sensory issues and won’t take calpol it seems harsh to leave her to worsen for so many days with these previous infections - how did she manage the pain with the sensory issues?

waterrat · 10/12/2022 12:20

A high temperature on its own is not indicative of concern in a child - children burn off illness with higher temps than adults do.

Child is 'well in themselves' ie. alert - again less cause for concern.

If not being brought down by calpol etc I would probably see GP ? By day 3 of hihgh temp.

I have found this week our GP is fitting sick kids in as emrgencies so worth a go OP if you need it. I am not sure what the point of 111 is in this situation?

111 can't see your child or triage or assess them - either take to gp or if you think child seriously unwell go to A and E

Wowzers12 · 10/12/2022 12:22

Why can't you just call? She's his daughter as well. Imagine you were concerned and he was refusing to call. Sometimes you just have to compromise on things if it will make him more comfortable. It's just a phone call

MadeForThis · 10/12/2022 12:22

With the amount of strep a about I would call 111 to ask for advice. Antibiotics may be required and they are better started sooner.

ThinWomansBrain · 10/12/2022 12:23

If the 'high' temperature isn't particularly unusual for her I'd be less concerned.

My temperature is always a couple of degrees below normal - at the beginning of lockdown I returned a thermometer I'd bought online because it consistently read that I had hypothermia, then when things started opening up, constantly having to be rechecked by people with those zapper thermometers - had no idea until that point how common deviations from standard body temperature are.

waterrat · 10/12/2022 12:24

Just seen she won't take calpol - I would find that a bit of a concern tbh

I was too cavaliar with my own child when she was 5 and ran a fever all week - I thought she was fine sleeping it off - it turned into pneumonia and I only realised when a doctor saw her how seriously ill she was.

I am no longer relaxed when my kids have fevers! I watch them like a hawk and get medical advice on day 2 or 3

Original poster
coffeepleeease · 10/12/2022 12:26

FermisLeftFoot · 10/12/2022 12:18

I can see both points of view. I think right now 111 is not necessary, but I did wince a bit at five days of a high temp which was an ear infection - surely she was in a ton of pain?? A chest infection too can worsen without treatment of left too long so i’d kind of side with him on those issues.

With Strep A as well I would be more cautious than normal. Overall, I think he has a point and if she has sensory issues and won’t take calpol it seems harsh to leave her to worsen for so many days with these previous infections - how did she manage the pain with the sensory issues?

Unfortunately she is just very miserable when she's in pain. She didn't actually seem in pain with the chest infection surprisingly. With the ear infection she was in pain for those full 5 days, she started complaining of ear pain the day before I called the docs anyway

OP posts:
melchim · 10/12/2022 12:27

What's the issue with just calling? That will put everyone's mind at rest.

I would find it difficult being away from my child while sick and worrying that they need help. Just call then you can say 'they told me to keep her home'.

GetOffTheRoof · 10/12/2022 12:31

I'm unclear then - you said she takes multiple meds a day - how are they administered? Do you mean inhalers rather then pills, tablets, caplets, liquids etc?

Will she take a crushed pill in melted chocolate or similar? Could you get her to take half an effervescent paracetamol mixed up in a tiny amount of juice maybe?

Itstoobig · 10/12/2022 12:33

Have you considered covid? This is exactly how my youngest was a few weeks ago with it, including vomiting. I know a lot of people don't like to test now, but it's useful to know what you're dealing with. I think you could call 111 just to put his mind at ease and it might benefit your child as well (though if covid then you'd wouldn't need to call unless she got worse, I don't think).

RoseBucket · 10/12/2022 12:35

FermisLeftFoot · 10/12/2022 12:18

I can see both points of view. I think right now 111 is not necessary, but I did wince a bit at five days of a high temp which was an ear infection - surely she was in a ton of pain?? A chest infection too can worsen without treatment of left too long so i’d kind of side with him on those issues.

With Strep A as well I would be more cautious than normal. Overall, I think he has a point and if she has sensory issues and won’t take calpol it seems harsh to leave her to worsen for so many days with these previous infections - how did she manage the pain with the sensory issues?

Agree with this, maybe he thinks you’re being too cautious.

Newuser82 · 10/12/2022 12:37

Not really the point of the post but can you get hold of some paracetamol suppositories?

alasangne · 10/12/2022 12:39

How would you want him to handle it if she was with him?

Allsnotwell · 10/12/2022 12:41

I work in a school and if one person thinks they need a doctor - a phone call home is made. I think you have to go with the person who wants to call.

Singlebutmarried · 10/12/2022 12:41

Does the online 111 not work for kids? That would give you some guidance.

username8888 · 10/12/2022 12:44

Watch and wait. Not much to do for a virus except paracetamol and nurofen

Stompythedinosaur · 10/12/2022 12:44

I wouldn't call with those symptoms. Rest, fluids, paracetamol to bring down the temperature.

Original poster
coffeepleeease · 10/12/2022 12:46

GetOffTheRoof · 10/12/2022 12:31

I'm unclear then - you said she takes multiple meds a day - how are they administered? Do you mean inhalers rather then pills, tablets, caplets, liquids etc?

Will she take a crushed pill in melted chocolate or similar? Could you get her to take half an effervescent paracetamol mixed up in a tiny amount of juice maybe?

When each new meds was started it took a lot of bribery, persuasion, hiding in foods, etc until she got used to them. I guess the "issue" with Calpol is it's only as and when. Also, I can't hide it things when she's not eating properly

OP posts:
username8888 · 10/12/2022 12:47

FermisLeftFoot · 10/12/2022 12:18

I can see both points of view. I think right now 111 is not necessary, but I did wince a bit at five days of a high temp which was an ear infection - surely she was in a ton of pain?? A chest infection too can worsen without treatment of left too long so i’d kind of side with him on those issues.

With Strep A as well I would be more cautious than normal. Overall, I think he has a point and if she has sensory issues and won’t take calpol it seems harsh to leave her to worsen for so many days with these previous infections - how did she manage the pain with the sensory issues?

OP should definitely look at the back of the throat and ask about sore throat or painful swallowing, but if the child won't take calpol what difference is calling 111 going to make?

Watch and wait for now, give more fluids even if its fizzy stuff you don't usually give, sneak calpol into a yoghurt, and monitor urinary output, breathing and any other worrying symptoms.

Original poster
coffeepleeease · 10/12/2022 12:48

Newuser82 · 10/12/2022 12:37

Not really the point of the post but can you get hold of some paracetamol suppositories?

Should have said, tried those too. No way I can pin her down to administer one she thrashes around so much. She's had enemas (sedated), suppositories, etc, in hospital before so I think anything of that nature she finds quite traumatic

OP posts:
Original poster
coffeepleeease · 10/12/2022 12:49

alasangne · 10/12/2022 12:39

How would you want him to handle it if she was with him?

I honestly wouldn't expect him to call 111

OP posts:
Blocked · 10/12/2022 12:53

My DH does this! He gets really angsty when one of the children have a cough and keeps on and on about how they need to see a doctor. I tell him I'm not ringing the doctor for a post viral cough and he can go ahead and take them if he doesn't trust my judgement. He never does (because we both know I'm right)

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