To think illnesses can't come on this quick

[Talkabtit101]

Went to London Tuesday - went to Harry potter studios, and then stayed in a hotel for a couple nights, used swimming pool and went shopping on the Wednesday.

DD (5) got back home this morning and fell asleep a few hours after around 4 then woke up with a 38.5 fever and crying saying she didn't know what was wrong but felt poorly.

Now in our history of illnesses has rarely had a fever so I've succumbed to a wee bit of panic.

Just looking for some advice on do illnesses happen this quickly?? Could've been the only way we'd caught it as was WFH the few days before and DD is homeschooled.

I've gave calpol around half hour ago and fever is now at 38.2.

Posting for traffic and maybe a hand hold because I do have anxiety and ocd and I'm never good at handling illnesses, especially fevers. Thank you in advance.

they do, I have only had flu once and it came on while I was out Christmas shopping. One minute I was happily browsing in a shop and the next I was shivering and faint and had to take a taxi home. I had only just recovered from being hospitalised with quinsy (that came on fast too, around 12 hours from first feeling a bit off to being unable to swallow) and I think my immune system was knackered.

My memory is that you have to add one degree to underarm temperature, but I can’t remember whether that was C or F.

Go with the oral.

Yes illnesses do come on quickly and are common, especially around this time of year. Try and stay calm and reassuring around your daughter and not let her see your internal panic. Keep her hydrated, let her rest and bring her temp down with calpol as you are already doing. Illnesses are going to be a common occurrence and are all part of growing up, I mean this kindly, it may be wise to seek help for your fear over this so you can handle it and so as not to pass this anxiety onto your daughter.

OP, I think there are two questions here: how long does it take for viruses to incubate (for symptoms to develop after exposure, so could she have picked this up on the trip); and could the symptoms come on very quickly, so could she go from well to sick within hours.

Most people are answering the second question, not the first, but I think @UnmentionedElephantDildo has answered the first and it sounds like they know what they're talking about and this could be a virus. I always thought Covid was about five days from exposure to symptoms, and colds were about three, but they sound much more knowledgeable.

Hope you are all feeling better soon - there is a lot of RSV going around and it is horrible.

Remember a fever is your body's way of burning off the virus. I know it can seem scary, but most fevers will not do your child any harm, and a normal fever is actually beneficial:

'Normal fevers between 100° and 104° F (37.8° - 40° C) are good for sick children. '

https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/fever-myths-versus-facts/

Hope your wee one feels better soon.

My GP recommends the Braun ear thermometer. I have the thermoscan 7 for my DD who is prone to febrile seizures, I’d highly recommend it.

I know that home schooled kids go out but may be sometimes you have few days you don't and she is rather sheltered. Not a problem, you will be fine

I gave calpol at 6.30 and took the temp around 5 mins after which was 38.5 it's now saying 38.6 and I'm panicking now as it hasn't came down.

DH said Calpol might've already started working before I took first temp. He thinks I'm being silly by wanting to call 111 as dd is sleeping

But check that it's not chickenpox before you decide to give ibuprofen. If she's not had it and not been vaccinated, it's probably best to stick with Calpol. Although having had it once, doesn't necessarily mean you can't get it again, as we found out when our child caught chickenpox for the 2nd time a few months ago.

Anyway, yes, illnesses can come on very quickly indeed. Flu is well known for it hitting hard and fast, much quicker than a cold. Likewise, I've caught a vomiting virus in under 24 hours of being exposed to someone with it.

Hope your daughter gets well soon x

Flash fevers are extremely common. But i also think calling 111 or whatever is your first point of contact is always a good plan if you are anxious and they can monitor or guide you.

I don't agree with you. I was always careful of fluctuating temps as my sibling once developed seizures as a result of a throat infection, and nearly died as a child. My eldest was hospitalised with pnuemonia as a toddler. I usually went to OOH if not during GP hours but on that occasion we ended up in A&E.

Of course they can. If you're unwell your body doesn't give you a countdown and a several days warning. You're usually a bit off for a day and then you get sicker, but sometimes you're fine and then hours later absolutely chunderously unwell. Just take them to the GP. It may just be a minor bug or it may need antibiotics.

Of course they do.

When DS2 was in reception he went into school full of excitement about his school trip.

School called me at about 1pm to ask if I could pick him up from the museum as he was unwell.

When I got there the poor thing was burning up and really upset 😢.

I felt awful even though he was genuinely fine in the morning.

We have that too. Really useful and good to know the GP approves 👍

Oh gosh yes, flu comes on VERY quickly. It's classic.

How was she when she went to bed?

I understand that you're worried but 38.5C is not a very high fever. My 4.5 year old has had fevers up to 40.0C recently, which was worrying for me. However, docs seem to look at the whole child not just the number on the thermometer.

I had flu that came on quickly. Was fine in the morning, felt a bit achy by lunch, then evening was fever and chills. Couldn't get out of bed.
It's so scary when kids are ill. Keep an eye in temperature and check for any rashes. Hope your little one recovers soon

Both times I had Covid I was absolutely fine for most of the day, and the suddenly feeling very unwell by about 4pm, so they can and do.

Kindly OP, I think your anxiety is at play here. Is she drinking and passing water? If she can have ibuprofen and you’re sure it’s not chicken pox, alternate that with calpol. Monitor for a while and then make a decision.

It's a fairly lowish fever and she's sleeping. Leave her be.

I wouldn't be seeking medical attention at that stage, but unless it was very prolonged (several days), there were other converging symptoms or it was staying above 40 when medicated.

I would potentially be seeking help for your anxiety though...

It’s not a hugely high temperature and in any case fever can help fight infection. If she is alert/rousable from sleep, drinking, weeing, breathing normally, no rash etc then you don’t need to panic because she’s a bit feverish with a virus. This sounds like a standard cold/covid/flu type virus and unless it persists for days or develops other symptoms then I’d just let it take its course. If she’s miserable or in pain I’d give calpol according to the packet instructions, but not just because of the numbers on a thermometer.

Obviously if she’s actually prone to seizures or something that’s another story.

Of course. 48 hours is completely normal.

If its actual flu, then that often hits really quick.
If its a cold or covid, then its usually more gradual

OP you're lucky you're little girl rarely has a temp. This is my 2 year olds 3rd winter, and she has one atleast every 2-3 weeks max this time of year.
Moat have lasted 3-5 days on and off, with alternating Calpol and baby neurofen. But then she's had hand foot and mouth, tonsillitis twice, several ear and throat infections, norovirus... Lost goes on, poor girl.
They pick up all sorts from nursery 😢
Hope your daughter feels better soon x

Calpol is paracetamol so 4x a day max 4hrly would be a huge overdose), do 6h and alternate with nurofen so 9am one 12ock the other 3pm the first one etc

Absolutely! About 5 weeks ago, felt fine, ate dinner then boom! 2 hours later throwing up, shaking, burning chest, coughing. And only just starting to feel better.