Can’t get DH’s temperature down, any advice?

[MissyB1]

Dh started feeling really poorly yesterday, Covid test positive. He’s been in bed since 6pm yesterday. He’s looks awful, I’m giving him paracetamol every 4 hours, but can’t get his temp below 38.7. When the paracetamol is wearing off it goes up to 39.2. He’s sipping water but doesn’t have the energy to get out of bed or eat.

So I am thinking that I will see how he is overnight and if that temp isn’t down by morning ring the GP (almost impossible though!) or 111 is that an ok plan?

There's the old fashioned method of damp cloth on the neck and forehead. That works.

My DCs are only little (both under 6) so not sure if it's the same advice for an adult but we've always been told we don't really need to worry about a temp unless it's over 40. Even when it is the hospital only give paracetamol and ibuprofen and observe. The only time it's ever been taken very seriously is when it was over 41. So I would say his temps aren't too much to worry about at the moment. Just lots of rest and fluid

It's pretty much what you'd expect from Covid. I wouldn't be contacting the GP.

Sounds like very standard covid, a lot of people I know have had temperatures for a week or more, he just needs to keep resting and drink water for now.

Bloody hell, it’s no wonder GPs can’t cope with the workload.

Pyrexia is his bodies way of fighting the infection. It’s normal and healthy and nothing to worry about below 40 degrees. As per other PPs though, he will be losing fluid from sweat and breathing so keep his fluids up.

Why are you being rude OP

It is a fact that lots of people phone the GP for things like this which are not GP issues. Which takes up time.

We seem to have lost the ability to deal with basic health needs without bothering the doctor.

Isn't your DH a doctor? (Sorry - I know that sounds a bit stalkerish - I'm really not, but a couple of things you've mentioned in the past have parallels with my own circumstances, so I tend to remember your posts!). Anyway, presumably as an HCP he's fully vaccinated, so fairly well protected, but I know covid is scary because it's so unpredictable. As others have said, his temperature doesnt seem dreadfully high so I'd just encourage fluids and rest, and give paracetamol if he's uncomfortable, and keep an eye on him.

It's not advised anymore to have tepid baths etc, fevers are seen almost as a good thing as it's the body's way of fighting the illness.

Take his clothes off. Not being funny. The heat can escape more easily.

Why so rude? There’s absolutely no need for you to waste a GP’s time with something so trivial.

Ice lollies or ice chips and plenty of fluids. Loose clothing/light covering. Damp flannel for forehead. A fan. Alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen. You can give 4 doses of each over 24 hours. Pulse oximeter is important with covid and call 111 if you want further advice. I hope he begins to improve soon.

What are you hoping for from the GP? Not being snarky - it’s just good to have an idea before you call. Most adults have had covid at least once by now and a high temperature is very common - like flu in that respect. He’s either well enough to be at home, or needs to be in hospital if he is dehydrated / struggling with his breathing a lot. Sometimes a GP is well placed to help you make that decision, but they won’t have access to any treatment other than what you can already get over the counter. If you think he might need hospital tonight then 111 is a better call.

That’s really just a standard illness temperature. And you sound very rude too. Perhaps work on that alongside basic health treatment knowledge

Judging by the tone of her original post, OP sounds concerned about her DH's health. She came on here for some sympathy and advice, not to be accused of scuppering the NHS (that has already been done for us!).

She's just trying to do her best for her loved one and is probably a bit tired/hungry/ill herself and could have small childer to care for? What's to be gained from kicking someone when they're down?

"Why are you being rude OP

It is a fact that lots of people phone the GP for things like this which are not GP issues. Which takes up time.

We seem to have lost the ability to deal with basic health needs without bothering the doctor."

Indeed. He's fine. No need for a doctor

"is probably a bit tired/hungry/ill herself"

She's hungry, tired and ill? Massive reach. The health services are blocked by people who actually need it because of time wasters (and critical underfunding). We can't do much on MN about the lack of funding but we can divert some time wasters.

His temperature doesn't need to come down, it's there because he's fighting an infection. Which is great. His body is doing what it should. He's not a newborn baby

She's just trying to do her best for her loved one and is probably a bit tired/hungry/ill herself and could have small childer to care for? What's to be gained from kicking someone when they're down?

it was probably the telling people to fuck off that didn’t swing in her favour.

plus why have you invented a whole story about the op being hungry and ill as an excuse that’s just weird

I agree entirely that GPs are overused.
I didn't recommend OP contact her GP
It does sound like her DH will be fine.
I can only draw on my own experience of nursing an ill person, but yes, I find it tiring with less time to do other tasks. Perhaps others find it "invigorating and calming"? Good for them.
And well done for "diverting the timewasters" I mistook it for cricising someone when they were down, I apologise.

What, who's kicked her when she is down? She told someone to fuck off!!

And why have you made up things about her that she hasnt said. Even thrown a small child into the mix!!

Why do fantasists appear to frequent this site?

Just one suggestion..not about temperature. Its important your dh moves around regularly to keep his lungs open. Even a visit to the bathroom. A little movement of the arms as he goes. Lying down all the time is not advised. This was the advice l got when l could barely move..from a nurse dealing with Covid everyday at the time..it helped l think. Maybe just feeling l was doing something constructive.

High temp is normal with covid. Rest, plenty of fluids and no more than 8 paracetamol (4 doses) in 24 hours.

I'd only start to worry if his breathing becomes laboured/temps consistently high that are NOT coming down at all with antipyretics. I'm sure he feels shite though - hope he's much better tomorrow.