5 month old, high temp, runny nose, VERY unsettled. A&E?

[Emz2019]

Hello everyone my baby is 5 months old and on Thursday he spiked a temp. I gave him nurofen and it brought it down and he slept all night (as normal) on Friday he was quite unsettled with temps throughout the day and I was alternating between calpol and nurofen to keep him happy as he wa just screaming. On Friday night he went to bed and fell asleep at 8pm as normal however woke up at 4am and was very unsettled with another high temp and a very snotty nose. So yesterday (Saturday) I again alternated between calpol and nurofen, he was very unsettled and only slept when we took him out in his pram. Last night he was very unsettled and did not go to sleep until 1am then has been awake since 3:30am. I feel pooped to say the very least. He only seams happy being in an upright position. He’s currently sitting in his jumperoo watching baby TV, which suits me. But I know he won’t be happy in there for much longer. He’s not taking as much milk as before. My doctors is closed but I’m assuming open tomorrow. The nurofen bottle says do not give for more than 24hours unless told by A DR. Should I take a trip to A&E or wait it out for my doctors tomorrow morning?

It's going on a bit long. I would give Dr on Call a ring. There are out of hours clinics you can take him to.

How is his breathing. Check his stomach to see if he is working hard at breathing as bronciolitis is very prevalent at that age at this time of year. It will look like his stomach is sucking in far and quickly for his breathing.

You don’t need to go to A&E. He’s only happy upright because he’s got a cold.

I personally wouldn't take a child to a and e for a cold. I'd keep up with fluids and medicine for a bit longer

I’d ring 111 if you’re concerned, however due to his age they’ll probably tell you to go to A+E anyway.

I would call 111, they should be able to give you an out of hours appointment with a GP. Ours usually can and it's generally quicker than waiting at A&E.

It's not really an A&E situation but I would definitely say it sounds like he should be seen.

My son had this twice, recently. Once it was just a bad viral cold/cough, but the other time it was a chest infection and on day 4 of high temps etc he went down hill quite rapidly and he really needed the antibiotics quickly.

Sounds like a hot steamy bathroom may help (and OOH doctor).

Call 111. They should be able to get you an out of hours appointment.

Vick. He sounds like he has a cold. Call 111 if you’re worried.

Echo the above - keep an eye out for tummy breathing (youtube videos available), make sure he is drinking plenty and his nappies are as wet as normal, paracetamol/neurofen for feeling grotty, don't worry too much about temperature in itself, and if you are concerned call 111 today or your GP tomorrow unless he becomes really unwell (floppy, less responsive, dry nappies, colour very poor) in which case 999 or a&e.

Definitely call 111 as they'll talk you through everything and make informed decisions - from what you're saying it's unlikely you need A&E but let a doctor make that decision.
Children who are sick often spike temperature at night, my PILs are doctors and both said that - sounds like he's happy playing for now but call and tell them the history
Good luck

Yy to the tummy sucking. My DS had broncolitis at that age and wasn't feeding more than an oz at a time. We were able to care for him at home but they did give us open access to come straight back to childrens ward if i had concerns

Get an out of hours appointment rather than a&e. I bypass 111 by ringing my doctors surgery, which connects straight to the out of hours clinic in my area. Learnt that tip on mumsnet! Don't know if this works everywhere. It does sound like just a cold though, often with mine a fever lasts 3-4 days with a viral illness. They are grumpiest once the blocked nose develops. Keep an eye on his hydration and for any signs of serious illness. Also an eye out for Bronchiolitis as others have mentioned. Hope he's better soon!

The lullaby trust have a baby check app which is really useful and shows you pictures of what to look for as serious illness signs etc.

It sounds like snuffle baby and being kept upright as much as possible (and calpol etc) is the best course of action for now, but any changes call 111. They can arrange out of hours appointments. Hope your baby gets better soon x