Meningitis: Please God I am worrying about nothing, but when ought I to start worrying?

[PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo]

4yo ds2 has, over the past 3h, developed a temp of 39C underarm, is hot to the touch with cool hands and feet, incredibly grumpy, complains he can't stand, complains we are hurtign his neck when we pick him up, and has suddenly fallen asleep in dh's arms. He is not deeply asleep - moaned when I disturbed him to touch his feet just now.

Is this enough to warrant more than just Calpol (which I have given him) and watching?

I don't want to panic you but I think I'd be onto NHS Direct now.
I can't say what I might think it is (not being a Doctor and all that) but if you're worried, ask them. They are the experts. Far better to be told not to worry by them, than 'I might worry if it was me' by non-professionals, like me/us (apols to any HCP MNers)

Hope the little one is ok.

Would also be calling NHS direct. Hope all is ok.

nhs without a doubt

Sod NHS Direct and MN if you are worried take him straight to out of hours doctor or A=E NOW

call GP IMO

Yes I would take to OOH GP or walk in centre... Most likely to be nothing, but if you are worried, follow your instincts... I got my fingers burnt once by not following mine- they really do count for a lot ...

Trust your instincts, and if in doubt get him checked out - its that time of year, and I agree always wise to get medical advice.

That said, could well be a virus - there are loads around, and my dds have had all those symptoms (which I also got anxious about) when starting a recent one. Snotty noses within 48 hours, coughs, and normal recovery....but you just never know at the beginning, do you? Wishing your ds a boring old virus, and better v soon.

I would be going to hospital tbh.

The neck hurting would be my cue to have him seen.

Let us know how he is.

Good luck.

get him seen, cool hands and feet but a fever and weak, hurting neck and moaning... please take him if you can

yes, please get him to A&E - it;s all developed v quickly.
What's the weather like where you are? Can you get out and about?

I'd go too. Sorry,

can you get to A&E in the snow?

Fwiw the cold feet thing is what my ds2 had last night with a temp over 39, but he just has a cold.

I hope your poppet is Ok.

I'm guessing the OP has gone to A&E. I would phone an ambulance, it's better to be safe on this one. Hope he's ok. X

I think its just flu.

Finally got through to NHS Direct, about the same time as ds's skin pinked up and he started getting more responsive. They also think flu, and that if it was meningitis he would not show any improvement nor respond to Calpol/Nurofen (which he has finally done).

Thank you God for sending us a flu at the begining of the holiday season. And I mean it. Given what we just feared, it's the best gift we could have!

Phew

Its so scary at the beginning of things, isn't it? Hope he gets better fast, and none of you catch it...