37.6 temp - is this a fever?

[whatnow40]

DS 8 has persistent sore throat with occasional cough and a temp of 37.6. What do the wise Mumsneters think? Do we need to isolate?

Yes

No, the advice is a temperature of 37.8.

Sorry, not sure about the occasional cough, only read the temperature!

Low fever.

How did you measure the temp? In the ear, mouth, forehead, under arm etc?

I don't know, but I'm similar. A low grade fever around 37.6-7 and sneezing, slight cough. It's so borderline. I can't decide what to do.

I'm not sure I would trust the 37.8 figure to be honest. My son has a temperature of 37.5 (significantly high in my opinion compared to his normal temperature) and he is isolated.. If it's high for your child I would err on side of safety.

Advice is to self isolate for 7 days if you have a fever OR new cough.
So yes, you need to isolate.

Isn't 37.8 the "official" fever?

It was an in ear measurement. He's had sore throat and then a bit of a cough for 2 days. He can go a full hour without coughing at all, so I wasn't worried as his temp was fine. Then I realised it's actually a bit borderline.

DH wants to take DS over to BILs house. BIL is asthmatic. MIL and FIL both immunosuppressed, FIL also has COPD and diabetes. I've told DH he's crazy and we should stay indoors for now and see if a fever spikes. But he's told BIL who thinks it will be fine. Ffs!

I would keep him away from the in laws just in case.

37.8 and above is usually considered a fever.

What's his normal temp? DH's usual temp is 35.3 and mine is 36.3. If DH's temperature increased to 37.6 I'd consider that a fever as it's so much higher than normal. If his normal temp was 37.2 then I wouldn't consider 37.6 a fever.

At work they’re checking temps and if you’re over 37.5 you get sent home. Can’t believe people are being pedantic about the “official” fever being 0.2 degrees higher! Apart from anything else your thermometer won’t be spot on accurate.

thats a low grade fever op. If I were u OP Id err on the side of caution as the in laws are immunosupressed. Just in case...... Some people do run slighter warmer than others, so Id look at what "normal" is for you and your family and then a temp spike from that.

I'd isolate for the cough alone, let alone with a mild fever as well.

also be aware that for 20 min (I think?) your temp will spike after a hot drink or food. So bear things like that in mind. Also had ds been running about? how hot is the room? amount of clothing on?

OP whether your child is ill or not keep him away from your elderly in-laws. Children are spreaders of disease.

is the cough "dry"? is he coughing up anything? (does he swallow after). the corona cough is a dry cough.

do you know his normal temperature when well? Mine is always on the low side of normal, around 36.3, so if I have 37.5 it's signiificantly raised. Dreading have to convince a care rationing service of that if I need to if I get ill.
Probably a good idea for everyone now to measure their baseline temp when well to know what it is.
I would err on side of caution with your DS, hope he is well soon.