To give child anti temperature medicine or not?

[Winter2019]

This morning DD 3.5 had temperature 37.5 and complained about headache, also threw up. I gave syrup against temperature. Now, in the evening she has 37.6 and looks rather pale. I said to DH I'll give her a syrup but he says it's not a high temperature and i shouldn't as body needs to fight. I'm confused. What is the general advice on this? What do you do when your child has a temp? Just to add, i could tell already yesterday she's coming down with something.

I give when they have a temperature AND are feeling rubbish. Mine are older now so can obviously say if they feel like they need some - it's much harder with smaller ones. But yes your DH is right - not necessary for a slightly raised temp if they're generally feeling ok.

Thanks @aunt for your reply. I shall leave it til the morning

If it’s just a temperature I give medicine if it’s over 38 degrees. If they’re complaining of aches and pains I don’t wait until it’s over 38.

When you say “syrup” what do you actually mean? Only paracetamol or ibuprofen will do anything to reduce a temperature or treat pain.

Over 38 is considered a temperature in babies / children.

There is really no need for medical intervention below that.

Treat the child not the fever. Temperatures are the body's way of fighting infection; it's a normal immune response. If she is complaining of her symptoms, give the meds.

What’s syrup? 37.5/6 isn’t considered a particularly high temp but if they’re feeling poorly, give calpol or Ibruprofen

Sorry for confusion, I'm in a different country. By 'syrup' i do mean type like ibuprofen, nurofen etc. Have left it like that. Hopefully she'll sleep it off. Has also had runny nose, croaky throat for the last few days. Giving plenty of liquids, at least trying to 🤷‍♀️

I was in hospital with my ds recently and heard nurse tell another parent what a pp said.. Treat the child not the fever. So if they have temp but are happy don't medicate but if miserable with temp give calpol.

Yep, I use Calpol to help with pain (headaches, earaches, sore throats, etc.) but not for a fever alone unless it's heading towards 40... but if that's the case they usually have pain too anyway. 37.5 isn't really a fever for most children, but mine run hot when they are ill and 39 or 40 is normal for them with a virus. I would give medicine if they had a headache or other pain that was stopping them from falling asleep, although I usually avoid giving it if they've been sick or are feeling sick as it's likely to irritate the stomach and reappear!

37.5 is not a fever 🙄

I didn't say fever just that compared to her usual temperature it was higher and she was quite pale /wasn't feeling herself so was wondering wgat others do in such situation