Child temp not going down

[beeyourself]

3yo has a temp of 38.5c. He's burning on his body but less so on head/arms/legs/hands/feet.

He's had the full dose of ibuprofen, followed by a full dose of calpol after 45 mins when his temp didn't go down. Temp is still high 30 mins after calpol.

He's a bit lethargic, but has just eaten a plateful of toast, so isn't listless etc.

I'm thinking of going to the walk-in if he's no better within the hour - or should I go to A&E? His history is that he's very prone to infection & had sepsis with similar symptoms last year.

I can understand your concern if he has previously had sepsis. To a degree a temperature is natures way of killing off bugs so I would be so worried about numbers, however, his general well being is the most important. If he is eating toast thats good. Encourage fluids and watch his symptoms. Ring the health helpline if you are worried. A and E may not be the best place for him but take medical advice

I’d be concerned given history and that temp hasn’t gone down after medication. I’d walk in personally.

A temperature means his body is doing exactly what it should - fighting off any infection or bacteria. The raised temperature in itself is not a problem as long as you are giving adequate home care (reduce clothing, no thick blankets, plenty of fluids, rest) and paracetamol / ibuprofen.

Personally, I wouldn't seek medical attention unless we had 3 days of a temperature, in the absence of any other red flag symptoms. It's certainly not an accident or emergency in itself.

I understand your worry, given your history. But temperatures are not emergency situations and are normal ways the body deals with infection (just like snot is also normal response to infection, unpleasant but tolerable).

However, if other sepsis or meningitis symptoms show, go to OOH straight away.

Thanks all. I agree that high temperature shouldn't be an emergency, it's just with our history (& similar symptoms) it's hard not to think the worst.

He's still a bit quiet but temp has dropped to 37.8c so hopefully he's picking up a bit.

Hi all, shortly after last post he suddenly got a lot worse so we came to A&E. He's currently hooked up to a drip having fluids/antibiotics etc & they're admitting him for at least 48 hours.

@beeyourself glad you went in & hope the night is ok & your LO responds quickly.

Just seen this, poor little thing.

And to PP who thinks it's ok for a fever not to respond to paracetamol and ibuprofen... eh?

Poor baby and poor parents, you must be stressed out. I hope he's feeling a lot better by the morning, he's in the best place.

Oh poor you op. Hope he’s ok. Sending positive vibes across the ether.

Thanks all. He's in great hands here, I feel very lucky.

How is your son doing?

He's a lot brighter today - thank you!

Oh what a relief. Hope he continues to improve.