When to worry about a fever?

[user81719191]

Posted a couple of days ago about a weird virus both Dc (5 &6) have picked up. They've both had a high temp, headache and neck stiffness. Oldest is now better, it only lasted about 24 hours. Youngest seemed better this morning but quickly went off again. Temp isn't coming down much with calpol and ibuprofen, it's sitting at about 40 but coming down to about 39.5 with medicine. He hasn't been able to stay awake since about 3pm. Is shivering non stop, boiling to touch apart from his hands and feet which are freezing. Obviously I know these are normal signs of fever but at what point do I need to worry?

When the temp doesn’t come down. Are their hands and feet cold or hot? I virus can become bacterial. I would call 111 or attend A&E

The doctor said to me, treat the child, not the temperature.

Your DC doesn’t sound well - I would also be ringing 111.

@Strugglingmumof3 his hands and feet are very cold to touch. His sister had the same type of thing but she was feeling better by this point

I would phone 111 or go to A&E immediately.

I would go to a&e based on those symptoms and google. Better to be cautious

I would be going to A&E too. Ask about sepsis.

You need medical advice ASAP.

Temperature that doesn't come down, neck stiffness and freezing cold hands and feet with temp are all danger signs. Hope your little one is ok, get checked!

Agree with others, too many red flags to see how it goes

Just called 111. They are getting a Gp to call us back within the hour

High fever not responding to meds and cold hands/feet are signs of sepsis, don't mess about, better to be safe than sorry.

Cold hands and feet are a sign of sepsis. My son had it. And left he would have died. Please go to A&E. don’t want you to panic but it is serious

A&E with those symptoms, don't wait for 111 to call back

I'd also go to a and e and I'm generally quite relaxed about fevers. Drowsiness and cold hands and feet and a sudden relapse would worry me. Plus I think the doctor will tell you to go anyway

No. You need to go to A and E. If you can’t get there then 999.

You need to be clear 39.5c after nurofen and calpol, neck stiffness and cold hands and feet. Tell them you’re concerned about menigitis or spesis.

111 will tell you to go a&e. Don't waste time

Just go to A&E!!!

Just to confirm dr has sent an ambulance so we are just waiting for them now

Glad you're getting help quickly. Hope all goes well

I’m so glad you’re getting help quickly, I hope your little one is on the mend soon.

Ah OP hugs to you. DS had very similar symptoms when he had Covid a couple of years ago - the high temp that didn't respond to Calpol was the trigger for an ambulance here too. They took him to hospital and in our case the initial infection (Covid) has become a bacterial chest infection. He got better unbelievably fast with antibiotics.

Pack a bag now if you haven't already: chargers, book, water and snacks. PJs for you both, clean undies, slippers/crocs for using the bathroom in the night. iPad for DS if he has one.

Best wishes.

Sending love op. You have done the right thing

I’m glad you’re getting help. It’s scary when someone, especially a child gets so ill but you’re in the right place for help.

Bless it's a frightening situation for you. Sending healing thoughts.

Neck stiffness = A&E now.