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Original poster

38.8 = a temperature?

23 replies

kid · 05/07/2006 07:26

Is 38.8 considered normal for the weather we are having or does that mean DS has a temperature. He is complaining of a belly ache and said his legs hurt, I'm not sure whether he also has a temperature though. He seems a bit grumpy but thats normal for first thing in the morning!

OP posts:
GeorginaA · 05/07/2006 08:03

What temperature is he normally, kid, do you know? I only ask because the normal temperature range is 36-38.

My eldest, when healthy is usually around the 36 mark and my youngest runs fairly warm at 38. So if my youngest was at 38.8 I wouldn't really be worrying about his temperature at all, unless there's other severe symptoms - but for my eldest a reading of 38.8 would have me reaching for the calpol!

Does that make sense?

Actually - come to think of it, I don't often even use the thermometer much anymore. I use the kiss test. Kiss his forehead - does he feel overly warm to you?

cadbury · 05/07/2006 08:04

I would have thought he is running a temperature. Calpol time.

jalopy · 05/07/2006 08:17

Kid, 38.8 is an elevated temperature so he's probably brewing something.

anorak · 05/07/2006 08:20

It is slightly high but in this weather it could just be that he's overheating. Hard to tell.

hermykne · 05/07/2006 08:22

i would think its just above normal, mine have been running 104 temps and gotten nurofen . they were very very hot to KISS

LaDiDaDi · 05/07/2006 08:55

That is definitely a temperature. 36.5 should be normal for most kids.

giraffeski · 05/07/2006 08:56

Message withdrawn

festiveface · 05/07/2006 09:33

for my kids anything more than 37 is a temperature.

CADS · 05/07/2006 09:52

I would say that it's a fever.

DS convulses at 39 which I orginally thought wasn't considered a HIGH temperature based on GPs advice, but paeds told me otherwise.

Not intending to scare you.

staceym11 · 05/07/2006 10:35

my dds temp went up to 39.6 on mon but gave her some baby nurofen and it went back down within the hour and didnt go up again, it could just be a reaction to the heat, maybe try some calpol/nurofen and see what happens!

Original poster
kid · 05/07/2006 16:12

Thanks for the replies, he did seem a bit off colour but insisted he was fine. He ate all his breakfast, some of his lunch and has generally been a bitr quieter than usual. I'll see how he goes tonight.

OP posts:
essbee · 05/07/2006 16:19

Message withdrawn

Choco · 05/07/2006 17:46

it's definitely fever!! sorry guys heat doesn't give you a fever!!! should alway take kids temperature when they normal( not sick) so you'll what his/her normal temperature is!!! the numbers itself does not tell you how sick he/she is. sometimes a child can have high fever but still being playful and has an appetite to eat. but sometimes they can have a not so high fever but look totally off:ex drowsy, lose of appetite, dont' want to play. therefore pay attention to other systoms also. plus if the temp persist for 2 -3 days you should go to the GP just to have him checked up

Original poster
kid · 05/07/2006 18:29

well he is really miserable at the moment. Its hard to know if its down to the weather as I know myself that it is draining. I'm just about to give him a bath so I'll look out for any rashes and look at his throat.

OP posts:
Original poster
kid · 05/07/2006 20:33

checked his temperature before he went to bed and its now 39.2
Gave him some calpol and opened his window and bedroom door.

OP posts:
Toothache · 05/07/2006 20:39

Kid - How old is he?

If the Calpol doesn't bring it down give him Neurofen as well. 39.2 is pretty high.... especially if its taken from under the arm or forehead. They are naturally cooler anyway and should sit around the 36.5 mark. Under the tongue and (eugh) anally the temp should be just over 37.

CADS · 05/07/2006 20:41

Put a fan in his room, if you have one. Hope he's better by morning.

Original poster
kid · 05/07/2006 20:58

He is 4. We don't have a fan to put in his room but will be buying one tomorrow. Temperature was taken from his ear using a digital thermometer.

OP posts:
BigBoaby · 05/07/2006 21:00

Wee soul....What is it now? If the Calpol hasn't brought it down by now do you have any Neurofen?

Original poster
kid · 05/07/2006 21:08

he has gone to bed and went straight to sleep, I will go and take it again in half an hour or so as it did start to come down with the calpol.
I just hope we have some neurofen, I know we had some but haven't used any for ages. If not, I know I will be getting some tomorrow.

OP posts:
Choco · 06/07/2006 05:36

i suggest if he still has a temp. today bring him to the doc.!! bc usually fever is a signal that your body is fighting the bacteria or virus inside your body. if it's bacteria then you'll need antibiotics to help you, if that's the case you don't want to delay further: so go to the dr. soon!

loopyloo414 · 30/06/2014 21:48

My son is 2 his temp is 38.8. Should I take him to the docs

loopyloo414 · 30/06/2014 21:49

My son is 2 his temp is 38.8. Should I take him to the docs

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