11yo DS unwell- opinions on GP or not please

[hussherbye]

I think I'm worrying more as he's never I'll but here's what's been happening:

Wednesday he got up ok but at 10am I found him crying in bed with a headache. Temperature has been up and down over yesterday and today- lowest 37.6, highest 38.9 but generally about 39.4.
Feeling very tired- slept for two hours yesterday afternoon, although then was restless in the night. Looks terrible. Not really eating. Tummy ache off and on.

So far just been giving plenty to drink and regular ibuprofen. To GP or not GP? [santa]

You know best. We are heading to the Christmas break and the weekend. Less availability of medical help. Try 111.

Sounds like an ordinary thing, so not GP. Paracetamol can be more effective at fever reduction if the fever is what's making him miserable & ibuprofen isn't touching it.

Sounds like a nasty virus but I'd phone 111 for advice. Hope he feels better soon.

I would take him to the GP.

I wouldn't go to the GP with an ordinary virus like this. I'd just treat as you are doing unless he gets suddenly worse

We had the exact same bug here. Went through all three kids starting with the 16 year old. They are never ill. I think it was some type of flu. Temps up and down, utter exhaustion, not eating, sleeping. It passed. It took quite a number of days, but it did pass. Then it hit me and wiped me out. I don't think (and didn't with my own kids) that it was anything to worry about - but it certainly threw me as they are just never ill.

Thanks all. I'm starting to think it's flu. Will get paracetamol tomorrow and continue dosing. Timing!!!

Australian flu is doing the rounds, we're all coming down with it! Oh the joy. We have a houseful of family for the next week. It's a very virulent strain. Liquids and lots of bed rest and keep on top of the temperature spikes. Respiratory distress appears to be the big risk so watch out for breathing difficulties and secondary infections.

Only had flu a couple of times in my long life. It's wretched. Check with GP/111 on phone and stay in. Keep hydrated and temps down.
I Get jab now because I have MS but the jab won't work if it doesn't match the strain going around.
Hope everyone with it on here does ok.

I would take him to a GP. A child with persistent temperature and headache needs to be checked. If you cannot get quick assessment with GP then take him to after hours centre or A and E ( from a GP)

Thank you all. He seemed a bit perkier this morning and his temp is better. However still v tired and complaining of aching behind his eyes.

behind eyes can be sinuses. Glad he's feeling a bit better.

I agree with @LunaTheCat - headache + temperature are an uncomfortable combination and should usually be checked out asap. If things are improving now then that's reassuring and perhaps you can wait it out. I would go 111 > GP/A&E if the improvement is short-lived and things worsen again. (A&E doc).

There are some nasty viruses going around just as you describe; lethargy, headache, temp, lack of appetite, general ickiness. Paracetamol and lots of rest and water should do the trick, or see a pharmacist for initial advice. Hope he's feeling much better soon.

Just out of interest, why do headaches + fever = seek medical assistance?

I think everyone is scared of meningitis, Prusik.

@Prusik I think most docs would want to exclude meningitis and/or encephalitis in a child with fever + headache. It can be difficult as fever itself can cause a mild headache (possibly worsened by dehydration) but that's what should be running through the mind of whoever was checking him out. Hopefully the OP's son is now much better.

How can they actually confidently diagnose or exclude meningitis or meningitis in development, is there a blood test?

Colleague tells a story:
Him & wife had 2 small children. Friend brought around his own small boy, to get an opinion on "Just how ill is this child, should I take him to see someone?"

Colleague said the boy (3yo?) was conscious but unresponsive & they were very worried, trying not to freak their friend out but also firmly saying "Yes you must take him to A&E now."

The little lad turned out to have meningitis (made full recovery).
The other good outcome is it gave colleague & his wife a lot more confidence about what dangerous illness such as meningitis looks like, compared to an ordinary illness.

I'd go, just to be on the safe side. Hope he's better soon

I'm anxious not to derail the thread or worry the OP if her DS is getting better but... in very general terms...

The definitive test for meningitis is a lumbar puncture, although we don't like doing these unless they are really necessary. The decision to proceed depends on the clinical story (symptoms, duration, improving/worsening) and physical examination (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, appearance, neck stiffness, photophobia, rash, etc). These are sometimes augmented by blood tests that are good for spotting inflammation but that don't readily distinguish between a viral sore throat, urine infection, pneumonia, meningitis, etc. Sometimes children with borderline symptoms are kept in hospital for a period of observation to ensure that they aren't worsening.

@JohnHunter sorry, that was me derailing the thread rather than you, I think.