Child with temperature - is it normal for them to go completely pink (ie legs/arms) ? and...

[Alambil]

what else do I do if calpol doesn't help?

He woke up at 10.15 and had the mother of all headaches. He's been feverish since Thursday night and had calpol since yesterday morning (didn't have any on Thurs).

What to do? Calpol being given every 4 hours, no nurofen and no money to get it

Should I worry if his skin is hot, but he's ok in himself - ie, he's eating/drinking/not being sick (or infact feeling sick)

Argh sometimes I hate being on my own - sorry for the stupid questions

Sounds like one of those random viruses that just run their course.

Just make sure he stays cool and keep pouring the calpol down his neck.

Don't know how old your son is but if he is under 5 then you need to be a little more cautions with his temperature contact your GP or NHS direct 0845 46 47 for advice

Also make sure you do not give him too much calpol he should only be getting 4 doses a day (there is a safety margin within the dose on over the counter bottles a Doctor may prescribe a higher dose). Cool sponge on back of neck forehead, and behind ears can help them feel better.

Just because you describe his headache as severe and he has a high temp it is worth reminding yourself of the symptoms of meningitis it is very unlikely to be that probably just a virus but it is still worth keeping in mind.

www.meningitis-trust.org/Signs-Symptoms.html

Oh Lewis

Be cautious, I seem to remember one of the symptoms is blotchy arms and legs?

Can he touch his chin to his chest?

Have him a nappy and a vest but nothing else. Make sure a few windows are open for fresh air, but not draughty.

You don't have to shell out lots for Nurofen, a chemist will sell you generic ibuprofen liquid for less than a couple of quid. It's often better than Calpol at reducing temperatures.

Encourage lots of fluids, and if his temperature is high enough to make him very pink and flushed despite paracetamol/reduced clothing call the out of hours GP service to check him over. They can always prescribe ibuprofen and paracetamol if necessary.

bump... any updates!

Didn't mean my advice to sound flippant. Just didn't think that a fever on it's own without any real behaviour changes were serious.

Hope I'm right!!

Lewis, how high is his temperature?

A headache can actually be ear ache, or sinus pain.
If he has been ill since thursday, I would take him to the doctors in the morning just to be on the safe side. The doctor might be able to prescribe some calpol/nurofen (at least the chemists generic brand of the same) and it will cost you nothing.