Sick child, hand hold and advice please

[Gingenius]

Hi All,
My DS (10months) has had a fever for the last two days. He’s generally a really healthy chap and this is the first time he’s really been ill. I think under normal circumstances I’d be ok and confident looking after him but with all the awful stuff about Coronavirus I’ve got myself in a bit of a pickle over it. Am looking for advice/ reassurance he’s going to be ok and when people think they’d need a 111 (don’t want to unnecessarily call them at the moment)..
So here’s the context
Temp fluctuating between 38.5 and 39.5 since yesterday.
Sleepy, clingy and lethargic - perks up for half an hour or so after paracetamol
Eating and drinking less but can be persuaded
No signs of dehydration
No one else in the family seems to have symptoms (yet)
Down to half a bottle of calpol and self isolating (going to have to get a neighbour to go and hunt some down for us soon)

Would you call 111? At what point would you call GP/ 111? Also if I can’t get calpol cod of the stockpilers do you think GP would give us some on prescription?

TIA

Hi,
He’s the same as yesterday: fever and lethargic but perks up every now and then: enough to stop me worrying too much, still drinking and Weeing so will give it another 24hrs before calling GP as 2 days of fever isn’t unusual for a littlee

Glad you are feeling less panicked. Hope he perks up soon.

Hi @Gingenius
How's your little one?

We had similar the other week with my 6 month old, GP referred to 111 because of the temp-it wasn’t possible to speak to doctor.

111 just reassured that self care was the right thing to do. She was right as rain within 72hrs, they said to call back if lasted more than 5 days though.

We had to self isolate for 14 days as a household though.

Sorry just realised the date! I have no idea what day we are on

Hi,
Sorry should’ve posted an update: the fever lasted 4 days then another two day’s till his appetite was back. GP advises self care over the phone and checked back in with us till his fever was gone. No one else got sick so possibly wasn’t COVID? Thanks for all the support. X

You’ve had some excellent advice. Just going to pop the NICE paediatric traffic light here for you. I’m not a medic but I’ve used this tool a lot with my children over the years to help me decide what help is needed and when. It doesn’t sound like your child needs urgent medical attention right now, but I’m not with him so can’t be sure. If you get to the point where he does then please don’t be afraid to go to a&e, they can and will treat him even in a pandemic.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng143/resources/support-for-education-and-learning-educational-resource-traffic-light-table-pdf-6960664333