High and then low temp - posting for traffic

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I'm known to be a bit of a worrier when it comes to DC's health (aren't we all?) so a bit of advice would be welcome here.

DS aged 2 has hada high fever for a few days, reaching 40 degrees. We've been giving Calpol and nurofen and it's brought it down a bit, but not by much. He's otherwise okay, though obviously poorly. Nurse checked his ears and throat few days ago - all good.

Spiked a temp of 40 just before bed tonight. Was given Calpol and then nurofen this evening. We checked his temp again at about midnight and it was 35.9, and now it's 36.0. His room is very warm. There's some literature online indicating that low temp after fever could be a warning sign of sepsis!? Poor thing is knackered and is sleeping peacefully. I know if call 111 need to wake him.

I'm going to stay up and monitor his temp for another 20 mins or while decide what to do. Anyone experienced this before?

Children can deteriorate very quickly.

My advice would be to get guidance from 111. I know it means waking him, however they will give you the correct answer. Not an online forum.

Your gut is telling you something is wrong, don’t rely on online strangers to say what happened to their children previously.

Hope he improves soon.

Thank you. See, my gut is actually saying he's been absolutely fine and to let him rest. I'm just prone to excess worrying. If temp doesn't start to rise in the next half hour or so I'll be taking him to be assessed by a doctor.

Your gut is your best friend, keep an eye. Any concerns ring 111.

Just be aware high temperatures can trigger febrile convulsions, if this happens just ensure he’s safe and call 999.

Temp now 36.5. Still fretting about the low readings earlier as apparently even if temperature fluctuates, it can be a sign of something more serious.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/

NHS guidance always good for Sepsis. Usually there’s an underlying infection that’s not treated I.e pneumonia.

Children tend to use accessory muscles more when struggling with breathing I.e big chest and sucking in/out at abdomen

I know I said don’t go on personal examples, but it may help a little. My daughter had a high temp, then normalised on calpol, but then became cyanosed (blue) around her lips. We were then blue lighted to hospital and spent 5 days in.

You say his room is warm, do you have a fan you can use in there?

I'm so sorry about your daughter, I hope she's ok.

His temp is back up to 36.7. I've been in to see him and he's normal colour. He woke up, we had a sleep cuddle, he's asked for his dinosaur teddy to cuddle with. He feels a bit clammy but it's a hot night. DH is going to sleep on the floor next to his bed and keep checking his temp. If it dips again we'll take him in.

Yes we've got one oscillating in there, it's always on but not directed on him. Our house is about 27 degrees, been a very warm day and the open windows aren't helping to bring it down.

Yes it is so close and claustrophobic in this heat. You could try some damp cloths to keep him cool. ❤️

Thank you ❤️

His temperature is up to 36.7 now. He still uses sleeping bags and he's in one of those very thin, muslin-type ones at the moment. Doesn't want to take it off. Worried if I try to cool him more his temp will drop again. It's all so stressful.

DH is in with him now, sleeping on his floor. Will keep checking his temperature to see how he goes. Going to be a long night.

It’s so very stressful but you and your DH are doing everything right. Bless you.