5 year old very High Temp help pls

[abonymousAnon]

He got unwell on Thursday but temperature was fine. Friday was around 37.5. We went for a fireworks even as he was okay he was playing, eating etc. we were out for 3 hours only and when we got babk his temperature was 39.2. It’s been creeping up slowly. Phoned 111 they said to just give Calpol.

NHS website says not to give cold compresses but after seeing his temp reach 39.8 I have. I’m really worried about him. He’s coughing too and is saying Nose blocked.

shoud I be overly concerned? I’ve not been work Thursday and Friday and feel guilty phoning up sick again tomorrow but I can’t go back till he’s better.

There is some very “interesting” advice on here.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng143/chapter/recommendations#antipyretic-interventions - look at section 1.6

NICE says very clearly

• do not give antipyretics with the sole intention of bringing down temperature - by all means give them if he feels poorly but not just for high temperature
• How to use both paracetamol/ibuprofen in children
• when to seek further advice

I really recommend reading this.

A fever can be good for the body to get rid of sn injection. Unless it was really high I used to only give medication if my child was in discomfort, grumpy, irritable with being ill.

Sorry to be picky but the child in question is 5, not under 5.

I never alternated because we never had calpol. We only ever used children’s nurofen, orange flavour. Both of ours quite liked it. As far as I. Know nurofen/ibuprofen gets high temperatures down more quickly.

Hope he’s feeling any better!

I have a four year old. If her temperature is over 39, I always do the following:

• sleep in the same room so that I can monitor her better and in case she has a febrile seizure.
• check her regularly for non-fading rash (glass-test) or sensitivity to light which are signs of meningitis.
• check for difficulties with breathing at night: chest is pulled in with each breath, especially under the rib cage, grunting or wheezing noise, or blue lips.
• Check for mottled skin.

All above points need urgent medical attention.

Is he eating / drinking or going out the toilet ? Any signs of dehydration are concerning too

@Applecidercake hes gone to bed now but was very unwell. He seems so tired. I’m going into work tomorrow and DH is keeping him home. I’m feeling so guilty I’m leaving him. I feel like such a bad mother. I really hope DH will take care of him or he gets better suddenly

To test for dehydration pinch the skin on the back of your DC hand. If he/she is adequately hydrated the skin will go back to how it was. If they are dehydrated then the pinched skin will remain raised.

@MrsMoastyToasty thank you!

My understanding was that you shouldn't use both without being advised because it does a good job of masking serious conditions which doctors will rule out before saying it's ok to alternate doses.

I hope he feels better soon x

Definitely not school. You need to keep a close eye on him for febrile convulsions if he gets very hot. Plus he will feel awful so will be better at home. I hope he feels better soon.

Hi, so you'll find that actually OP said it here 'he’s awake and responsive and I’m wondering whether I should take him to school tomorrow' posted at 5pm