What temperature is too high for a four year old?

[Theirmummy]

Layed with my son, temp gone up to 39.2, he won't take medicine. He's sleeping ok. Should I take him to a & e? I'm reluctant to go to sleep myself.

Thats high at any age, have you dosed him up on ibuprofen and paracetamol? ring nhs direct and get some kind of meds into him whether he likes it or not.

I think you have to use your judgement
I know a lot of people think thats worryingly high. In my experience I only worry when mine go over 40 as I know that its quite normal a high temp for my kids.

I would try and gently get some meds into him though and then if it doesnt go down seek medical advice

Thanks. Spits out all medicine and gets really upset and hotter! Think I'll see how the next hour or so goes?

Have you tried getting a couple of tepid flannels and laying one over his torso and use one for his forehead? Open the windows but keep him out of the direct draft.

Also if you don't know what the cause is call NHS direct now, the wait can be hours for a call back, so get that done sooner rather than later. Hope he gets well soon.

I would definitely give him some calpol- headlock, syringe in the far corner of the mouth, hold his nose.

He should be dressed very lightly. Put a damp towel on his forhead and/or his calves and wrists.

39.2 is high-not dangerously high, but if it continues to rise he'll be very uncomfortable with 40+.

39.2 is a very ordinary temperature with a virus. I tend to think it is kinder to try and bring it down with paracetamol/ibruprofen but it is not worth seeking help unless there are other worrying symptoms or it persists for a few days. You probably know, but things to watch out for are:

Irregular or fast breathing (flaring nostrils, rib recession)
Listlessness (real floppiness, not just tearful and not wanting to play)
Confusion
Not drinking enough to hydrate
Fever over 40 does need to be brought down or seek help and above 41 is a medical emergency.

Any of the above and take to A&E.

How is your son today theirmummy ? Fingers crossed his temp has gone down by now.

Thanks for advice. My little man's temp hit 40 and he started throwing up but let me give him ibuprofen thank god! He's better today temp keeps going up and down but the medicine keeps doing the trick, his only symptom otherwise is a headache so not sure what it is. Funny how much calmer you feel in daylight hours!