High temp, breathing rate up - 4 yo - time for DR or just a virus?

[curiousparent]

Hi My 4yo DS started with a temp on Saturday that went up as high as 40.4. He wasn't overly poorly at that point and then the next day he started with a streaming cold.

He still has quite a temp and so today is day 5 of fever (38.8). He has at times been a little shivery but not constantly. He also complains of tummy ache and his breathing rate (whilst sleeping) is about 40 pm.

I am thinking of going to Dr but is this likely to be a virus that will just pass or is it time to be getting him checked out?

TIA

Sorry also meant to say during the day he seems better - lower temp, not so poorly in himself and then evening/nighttime he seems so much worse which is why I am not 100% sure on whether to go to Dr or not?

Anything that means a change in breathing rates needs checking out. So off to GP or if he is struggling to breath properly, skip GP and head straight to A&E.

If you are worried take him. If it was me I would. Hope he is better soon.

If he's had the fever for 5 days then it's worth getting checked in case there's an underlying infection that may need antibs.

I would take him to the Doctor. I'm currently overly cautious as DD3 recently spent a week in hospital with pneumonia, but pretty much started presenting as you describe. 40 breaths pm is very high, so I would go down to A&E with him. Hope that he's ok and on the mend soonest.

I'd say GP as well- breathing issues are the big concern there. Hope he feels better soon.

Thanks everyone for very quick responses.

GP surgery opens at 8 so should be able to get an app't quite quickly.

40bpm is not very high, it is marginally raised. Normal respiratory rate for a 1-5 year old is 20-30.

However, after 5 days of fever, I think it definitely warrants a doctor's visit.

Ok went to Dr's and he is pretty sure he has what he called 'proper' flu. He has swabbed his nose and throat as apparently they are a 'spotter' clinic. He has given him a good check over and says that he could develop secondary problems such as chest infection etc and so to take him back if he gets any worse.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Poor little chap. Hope he gets better very soon.

Thanks Cappy. How is DD3 btw?

She's a bit rubbish today actually. Hoping it's only a cold, but keeping a close eye as it's only a couple of weeks since we came out of the wretched hospital!

Snoring her little head off currently, though I think the pneumonia (understandably) knocked her for six.

Hope your DS is feeling a little chirpier now - lots of CBeebies and drinks should perk him up . When DD3 was really poorly, she ate nothing for a week, but as long as their fluid intake is respectable (for her age/size she should be averaging 1200ml/day, I imagine your DS is around that amount too), the nosh side of it isn't too concerning. Fingers crossed it's 'only' flu for him.

Ah bless her - hope it is 'just' a cold and that she improves quickly. I know how awful pneumonia can be as DS1 had that when he was only 3 years old and he had to practically learn to walk again after (he was also misdiagnosed for 3 days in hospital). I think people often don't realise how serious some of these illnesses are. I know for DS1 it took him a long time to recover (but that time is over 15 years ago now!).

Yes hopefully DS2 will soon get over his flu without any complications.

All the best to your DD too :)

Thank you. She's just three as well and it's most definitely wiped her out.