2yo temp 40.3 - cause for concern?

[PDR]

DS has been poorly since Saturday morning with a very high temp - ranging from 38 - 40.3 when I just measured it. Average I'd say is 39 even though I have given him nurofen at 9am, 1pm and 11pm. He is absolutely boiling to touch - wearing only tshirt and nappy.

Have already given Nurofen and am pushing fluids. He is just lying in bed with me eyes open but very spaced out. Had had wet nappies but no poos.

He has a slight cough and runny nose but no other symptoms.

He does not talk yet so cannot communicate with him if he has a headache etc.

Is such a high temp cause for concern does anyone know?

I think that's very high

Have you given calpol in between nurofen?

Please call NHS direct immediately.

No I have not - I do have Calpol though so I can give it? I only gave the Nurofen less than an hour ago though?

My GP is also a paediatric registrar. His point of interest for temperatures is 40 and over. I would be very concerned if his temperature isn't coming down with nurofen. Call NHS direct or your out of hours GP service now. There is a risk of febrile convulsion with that sort of temperature.

You can give calpol now. Max of four times in24 hours.

Please call NHS direct dd2 had febrile convulsions and they are terrifying x

DS (nearly 2) always runs incredibly high temperatures like that. It just seems to be the way he copes with infection.

We've spoken to doctors about it who advise taking Neurofen and Calpol together to get the temperature down and making sure that he drinks little and often. We also make sure that he's stripped down to the bare minimum and I sleep in his room to keep an eye and ear out.

That said, I think you need to trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. If you are concerned... speak to a doctor. HOpe he gets better soon.

Please call either NHS Direct 0845 4647 or your out of hours service immediately.

A 40 degree + temperature is very high. The only time DD1's has been that high she started hallucinating. Very scary. Your DS needs to be seen asap, most especially if nurofen is not bringing the temperature down.

I am calling now....

They are very busy apparently so holding..... temp still 40 with ear thermometer.

Busy? WTF?? Have you given Calpol?

Call your out of hours GP service. Your ds needs to see a GP tonight imo.

They will call me back within 24 hours as they are very busy....

Going to measure again now.

Who have you called? Call your usual GP number. There should be a recorded message with an out of hours number. Call that now!

Ring your GP practice and the recording should give you the our of hours GP service.

39 now... calling OOO gp to see what they say (called NHS direct before).

If he appears spaced out it is very reasonable to go to casualty...it's a high temp indeed and they should see him straight away. Hope he feels better soon.

Did you speak to a nurse on NHS Direct? I can't believe they never gve you priority!

Cross-posted will MollieO - apologise.

You can also go to A&E. We did this once. The triage nurse was a cow but the paediatrician was brilliant. (DS had a viral infection and was fine).

Good that the temperature is coming down, albeit slowly. Has he had any Calpol?

Right they are going to call back within 20 mins :)

No I didn't speak to a nurse at NHS direct the wait was up to 24 hrs for a nurse to call me back !

Yes given calpol too now....

Good. Can you sponge him down with a damp cloth? Also, the one thing that the doctors always stressed was to keep him drinking. Are you OK? The first time DS's temp. went up this high, we were petrified..

Hi PDR would echo what other posters have said about giving calpol four tims a day, but if you are worried about your little one take him somewhere to get checked either out of hours or a and e.
I am a health worker and you pay my wages 24 hours a day it is your service to use.
So please don't worry abut using it .x

Don't sponge him down...it's not recomended anymore.