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Original poster

How do I get his temperature down? Desperate

77 replies

MrDense · 12/05/2022 20:20

Lo had not been well and has had temperature since last night, hes vomited twice, hes been sent home from nursery early today because they said he was unwell. I've been giving him paracetamol and ibuprofen syrup, timing it carefully. But his temperature is still high. The ibuprofen takes it down slightly but hes still boiling hot to touch. Are there any tried and tested methods that I can try to make my little boy comfortable. Its honestly heartbreaking watching him in discomfort but not being able to relieve his pain.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

OP posts:
Cornettoninja · 12/05/2022 20:23

You need to speak to a doctor. If calpol/ibruprofen isn’t helping then that’s the only avenue you have left really.

have you taken his temperature with a thermometer?

NrlySp · 12/05/2022 20:23

Cold flannel on the forehead can be comforting.
strip him down to his nappy.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/
googled NHs infant fever

sunshine298 · 12/05/2022 20:23

You need to call 111 OP

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Ohtheaudacity · 12/05/2022 20:25

do you have a fan? I know they say not to but I’ve always found a fan from a distance provided enough breeze to help them feel comfortable when they have a temp. However, that doesn’t tackle the root cause of the temp and you should call 111. Hope they’re on the mend soon x

AnneLovesGilbert · 12/05/2022 20:25

What’s his temp? Is he still vomiting and can he keep down water? You need to call 111 and get an out of hours appointment. Sorry he’s suffering and you’re so worried. DD has been ill all week and woken every day with a temp of over 39 but it’s come down with calpol and calprofen.

Amammai · 12/05/2022 20:25

If the temp isn’t coming down even when alternating neurofen and calpol then I would seek medical advice. Call 111. If he is under 5 you’ll speak to someone sooner and they can direct you as to what is best to do.

Have you taken his temp with a thermometer? They will ask for his temp when you call.

General advice is to dress them in light, loose clothing (like just a t-shirt and nappy) but not to sponge them down. Keep hydrated with sips of water/formula/breastfeeds as appropriate.

Lazypuppy · 12/05/2022 20:28

Whats the temp? A high but not extreme temp isnt a bad thing, means his body is working to fight off something. Whats temp after calpol etc?

PollyDarton1 · 12/05/2022 20:28

If your DS is under 3 and the temperature is around or above 39-40c with calpol and/or ibruprofen, you need to call 111.

Keep him as cool as possible without stripping off too much - I recommend a light vest and nappy, and do not use a cold bath or a fan to cool down - this will tell the body to raise the temperature to counteract the chill. Keep with fluids as much as possible.

DS used to get wickedly high fevers with tonsilitis, so unfortunately I became a pro at knowing when to time medicine. I'd recommend jotting down on a piece of paper when you've given medicine to avoid accidentally missing a dose or giving a dose by accident.

tothemoonandbackbuses · 12/05/2022 20:28

You need to call 111 but could also strip him down to his nappy whilst you wait.

PollyDarton1 · 12/05/2022 20:29

NrlySp · 12/05/2022 20:23

Cold flannel on the forehead can be comforting.
strip him down to his nappy.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/
googled NHs infant fever

I hate to pick holes when someone is genuinely trying to help but they recommend no sponging down or removal of clothes in the link you posted!

Flopisfatteningbingforchristmas · 12/05/2022 20:29

How old is he/what is his temperature?

doadeer · 12/05/2022 20:30

I think advice now is to not try to cool them (told this by doctors last year). If it isn't coming down and they seem really unwell after more than one dose I think I'd call 111 but they will say go to a&e as they don't mess around with little ones

Rainallnight · 12/05/2022 20:31

Lots of fluids and light loose clothing.

what’s the temp and what age? Sometimes it can take a while if they’re fighting off a bad bug, but as others have said, I’d seek medical advice if they’re little.

it also never does any harm to re-familiarise yourself with the signs of sepsis.

Nikki305 · 12/05/2022 20:33

Please don't send your child to nursery with a temp, now all the other kids in the room will be suffering with the same illness.

Hope he is feeling better soon, 111 is there if you need it or GP in the morning

PerfectPrepPrincess · 12/05/2022 20:33

Our 1 yo had a crazy fever recently. We did strip them down to their nappy, it was fine. Definitely ring 111. Test for covid.

CrabbyCat · 12/05/2022 20:38

If you've maxed out both ibuprofen and calpol and he's still running a high temperature, I'd call 111 but suspect they'll send you to A and E. What's he like in himself, OK or drowsy and a bit out of it? Is he breathing faster than normal, and if you feel his pulse is it really fast - from experience those are some of the things they look out for.

PurplePinecone · 12/05/2022 20:46

Probably against current guidelines but has always worked for my children. A tepid bath. Luke warm water, not hot. Brings their temperature right down.

Original poster
MrDense · 12/05/2022 20:47

I'm so bloody annoyed with myself because the thermometer is broken and I've been meaning to get another but it keeps slipping my mind. I'm trying to get an appointment at the doctors but cant book online as surgerys closed. I'm heavily pregnant and struggling with mobility myself, OH is currently at work aswell. So I'd have to take him myself to a&e, which I dont think I can manage. Hes glued to me on the sofa and wants me to carry him everytime I get up. I will try the doctors again first thing.

OP posts:
TolkiensFallow · 12/05/2022 20:50

This is an urgent medical problem. I took my little one to the GP with a temperature and explained it wasn’t coming down with alternate calpol / baby ibuprofen. He called 999 and she was very unwell in hospital for several days.

Please urgently do something. Ideally find a way to get to a&e or at the very least call 111 and see if an out of hours GP could review.

TheCanyon · 12/05/2022 20:52

I'd have to take him myself to a&e, which I dont think I can manage. Hes glued to me on the sofa and wants me to carry him everytime I get up. I will try the doctors again first thing.

Are you having a laugh?

Original poster
MrDense · 12/05/2022 20:53

@CrabbyCat yeh drowsy, little out if it,I'm putting that down to the medication, also keeps asking for random things. Breathing sounds normal, pulse is abit faster than usual.

OP posts:
FabulousKilljoys · 12/05/2022 20:54

If his temperature isn't coming down with calpol and nurofen he needs to be seen tonight, not tomorrow. I know it's hard when you're heavily pregnant but his well being still needs to be paramount here.

fairgame84 · 12/05/2022 20:56

Paracetamol and ibuprofen do not cause drowsiness. Take him to A&E.

sunshine298 · 12/05/2022 20:56

If you are reluctant to go to a&e and have no thermometer and no one that can bring you one, I'd call 111 and explain they may send an ambulance to check him over.

If his temp spikes to high he could have a fit (not trying to scare you but this is the facts)

Nap1983 · 12/05/2022 20:57

Paracetamol and brufen will not make your child drowsy. If his pulse is raised and he’s drowsy I’d say he needs to see a doctor..