Temp of 39.8 for 4 hours

[NASWM]

My DS2 (18 months) has had a cold for a day or two, then suddenly after lunch today he developed this nasty temperature. Calpol hasn't touched it. He has no other symptoms. He spent a couple of hours lying on me in and out of sleep, but is sitting on the floor now playing with a car. How long should I let a temperature that high go on before doing anything else about it?

Thanks

you should strip him off and give him nurofen too

paracetomal merely stabilises a temp .. ibuprofen brings it down

if it hasn't started to go down in an hour, I'd take him to A&E

I don't know but I would give NHS direct a call

Thanks Twigzilla I didn't realise that about paracetamol. He can't take ibuprofen though. I'm keeping my eye on him and if anything changes I'll be in the car like a light. I suppose I just needed to tell someone about it. Thanks again.

Give him ibruprofen if you have it, if you haven't ask a friend/neighbour if they have - it works quicker than calpol. Check the dosage, you can't give as much as calpol but you can give it alongside calpol but in a smaller dosage. Next give him a coolish bath or sponge him down. Give it an hour and see. However, if he becomes unwell, don't hesitate, just take him to A&E

I'm worried about calling NHS direct. I seem to have called them so much with my kids. It's when they get to the question 'what is your DS doing now?' and I say sitting at my feet playing with his car watching boogie beebees I think I know what they'd say next!

Could it be teeth? Silly question I know, as I have always been aware of him cutting other teeth ( and he has never had a bad temperature), but just a thought. I think I'm looking for a text book answer..

in which case I'd phone NHS direct

My DD had a temp for 3 days .. it did go down when medicated .. then on the 3rd day it just wouldn't go down no matter what I gave her .. I took her to A&E .

I think I'd be thinking of taking him or at least calling for advice

but mine had had febrile convulsion earlier that week so I could be over-cautious

It could be teeth or something like a reaction to a recent injection, has he had one?
IMO it's likely to be linked to his cold virus. Keep an eye on him and give him the ibruprofen, it's more effective than calpol at reducing temperatures

Just taken temperature again (have resisted doing it every 10 minutes). Finally come down a bit to 38.7 Calpol was 3 hours ago. Maybe it has just taken a while to kick in. Starting to feel bit better about it now.

It's a worry isn't it? and it's hard not to panic. My DS has always suffered with severely high temperatures so I know how you feel. Hope he's feeling better soon

Oops now he wants to get at the computer.. That must be a good sign. I'll come back later and let you know how we are.

Thanks for listening everyone. I promise to call NHS Direct or to to A&E if anything changes or he is no better by bedtime.

ahh as long as its coming down I'd relax

its probably some non-specific thing

don't ever feel silly about seeking professional help though ... we all do it

Quick update for those who gave advice earlier. DS2 temp right down to 37.8 now. He's not eaten any tea but has played a little. Will give him more calpol at bedtime and hope he sleeps well all the way through to morning........