Child temp not going down
58 answers /
Last post: 25/02/2024 at 7:21 pm
bobbie66
04/05/2019 at 3:03 pm
3yo has a temp of 38.5c. He's burning on his body but less so on head/arms/legs/hands/feet.
He's had the full dose of ibuprofen, followed by a full dose of calpol after 45 mins when his temp didn't go down. Temp is still high 30 mins after calpol.
He's a bit lethargic, but has just eaten a plateful of toast, so isn't listless etc.
I'm thinking of going to the walk-in if he's no better within the hour - or should I go to A&E? His history is that he's very prone to infection & had sepsis with similar symptoms last year.
He's had the full dose of ibuprofen, followed by a full dose of calpol after 45 mins when his temp didn't go down. Temp is still high 30 mins after calpol.
He's a bit lethargic, but has just eaten a plateful of toast, so isn't listless etc.
I'm thinking of going to the walk-in if he's no better within the hour - or should I go to A&E? His history is that he's very prone to infection & had sepsis with similar symptoms last year.
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Karen B(1898)
04/05/2019 at 3:05 pm
As long as he is responsive, eating and drinking try not to worry to much.
If it doesn’t come down at all after having meds (give the meds a good 45 mins to work) then you could phone 111 and seek advice xx
Sent from my iPhone using Netmums
If it doesn’t come down at all after having meds (give the meds a good 45 mins to work) then you could phone 111 and seek advice xx
Sent from my iPhone using Netmums
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lynsey r(39)
04/05/2019 at 3:26 pm
Strip him down and take him outside for a bit. If you are in the north that is because it's not particularly warm here. x
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Rebecca D(902)
04/05/2019 at 4:05 pm
If you are concerned about sepsis ring 111 for advice & they will direct you accordingly.
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Karen R(543)
04/05/2019 at 4:09 pm
I wouldn't normally worry about a temp in a child of this age unless it goes up to 39 or above, or there are other signs they are seriously unwell. I don't even give medicine unless it goes over 39 as a fever is needed to fight off infection (and I have a child who often responds to infection with very high fevers (quite often over 40). This is on doctors advice.
Obviously if the child is not drinking, extremely sleepy, has a rash, is dehydrated, then seek further advice.
Also stripping a child off is ok, as long as a room is cool-warm (but not hot), but putting them outside if it is cold or dousing with cold water or anything similar can cause hypothermia.
Obviously if the child is not drinking, extremely sleepy, has a rash, is dehydrated, then seek further advice.
Also stripping a child off is ok, as long as a room is cool-warm (but not hot), but putting them outside if it is cold or dousing with cold water or anything similar can cause hypothermia.
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Katie D(443)
04/05/2019 at 4:14 pm
Call 111 they will either be able to set your mind at rest or get you an out of hours GP appointment. Don’t go to A&E that’s not what it’s for.
Hopefully wee one will feel better soon.
X
Hopefully wee one will feel better soon.
X
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Emma L(1902)
04/05/2019 at 4:52 pm
My little one was diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome after having a series of fevers that didn’t respond to medicine. I deal with them now twice a month up to 42 degrees and have been told to keep the room at a constant warm temperature and strip them down to allow the skin to breathe.
If you get worried though go get them checked out. Hope little one feels better soon x
If you get worried though go get them checked out. Hope little one feels better soon x
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Carole D(24)
04/05/2019 at 5:01 pm
At age 3 yrs I wouldnt worry unless a child had a fever of over 39 lasting for several days, but each child is different.
I’d give regular paracetamol if they were uncomfortable or miserable, and increase things like cool drinks or maybe lollies if they’d have them.
Don’t cool bathe or strip off outside or by an open window etc but don’t over dress either - vest top is fine in a warm room
If he’s up to eating I think he’s doing well.
You can check with your local pharmacy for advice or if you think he’s getting worse, drowsy or dehydrated then call 111 for advice. Currently I’d say No need for A and E unless 111 advise it
I’d give regular paracetamol if they were uncomfortable or miserable, and increase things like cool drinks or maybe lollies if they’d have them.
Don’t cool bathe or strip off outside or by an open window etc but don’t over dress either - vest top is fine in a warm room
If he’s up to eating I think he’s doing well.
You can check with your local pharmacy for advice or if you think he’s getting worse, drowsy or dehydrated then call 111 for advice. Currently I’d say No need for A and E unless 111 advise it
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Claire L(12)
04/05/2019 at 5:55 pm
Aw sorry little ones under the weather. Don’t strip him completely down or try to cool him with a flannel or anything as this can cause them to shiver then causing there temperature to increase even more. Trust your instinct. What’s the harm with calling 111 and getting there advice? Takes a few minutes of your time. I think if you’re worried enough to post on here then you should give them a call. Hope little one feels better soon xxx
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AprilM89
04/05/2019 at 6:20 pm
The general advice is if they have a temp and it doesn't go down 45 minutes after giving them calpol (which should lower a temp, even temporarily if it's viral) then you should call 111.
Don't leave it a few days, shocking advice!
Don't leave it a few days, shocking advice!
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Emma L(1902)
04/05/2019 at 6:29 pm
Agree with April. A temperature should respond to medication , even if it’s for a bit. I had to really persist to get my daughter sorted out and I am so glad I did. If little one is not responding to medication ( even if they are eating etc ) go get them checked. 111 will tell you what to do x
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Hazel K(46)
04/05/2019 at 7:02 pm
In answer to
AprilM89
The general advice is if they have a temp and it doesn't go down 45 minutes after giving them calpol (which should lower a temp, even temporarily if it's viral) then you should call 111.
Don't leave it a few days, shocking advice!
Don't leave it a few days, shocking advice!
If the child is eating and drinking and otherwise responsive and playing a little, smiling a little and just has a high temp you do not need to go rushing to the doctor.
It is not shocking advice. Generally speaking if the child is otherwise relatively well, then 5 days of fever is usually what the GP will work with.
A GP won't do anything other than look in the ears, throat, listen to the chest and possibly take a wee sample and tell you to manage the fever with paracetamol and plenty of fluids.
If the child is relatively well then it is probably just a virus and it will resolve on its own. The body is designed to raise the temperature to fight infection and I do not give any medicine unless the child is distressed by the temperature or it is going way above 39 degrees.
If the child is pale, drowsy or delerious, not smiling or interacting, cold hands and feet, a non blanching rash, very fast breathing, very fast heartrate, mottled, vomiting, or any other very worrying symptoms then please do seek help immediately.
OP if you are worried then ring 111. Your gut instinct and the child's general demeanor will tell you the best course of action in your case.
It is not shocking advice. Generally speaking if the child is otherwise relatively well, then 5 days of fever is usually what the GP will work with.
A GP won't do anything other than look in the ears, throat, listen to the chest and possibly take a wee sample and tell you to manage the fever with paracetamol and plenty of fluids.
If the child is relatively well then it is probably just a virus and it will resolve on its own. The body is designed to raise the temperature to fight infection and I do not give any medicine unless the child is distressed by the temperature or it is going way above 39 degrees.
If the child is pale, drowsy or delerious, not smiling or interacting, cold hands and feet, a non blanching rash, very fast breathing, very fast heartrate, mottled, vomiting, or any other very worrying symptoms then please do seek help immediately.
OP if you are worried then ring 111. Your gut instinct and the child's general demeanor will tell you the best course of action in your case.
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Hazel K(46)
04/05/2019 at 7:05 pm
In answer to
Emma L(1902)
Agree with April. A temperature should respond to medication , even if it’s for a bit. I had to really persist to get my daughter sorted out and I am so glad I did. If little one is not responding to medication ( even if they are eating etc ) go get them checked. 111 will tell you what to do x
That is if you would even give medicine for what is described. I wouldn't and I am a pharmacist.
The body uses a high temperature to fight the infection. By giving medicine you are reducing that natural response.
You should give medicine for fever if the child is distressed by the fever or has pain.
111 is the correct course of action if you are worried. They can assess the child and get them seen if necessary.
The body uses a high temperature to fight the infection. By giving medicine you are reducing that natural response.
You should give medicine for fever if the child is distressed by the fever or has pain.
111 is the correct course of action if you are worried. They can assess the child and get them seen if necessary.
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AprilM89
04/05/2019 at 7:11 pm
In answer to
Hazel K(46)
If the child is eating and drinking and otherwise responsive and playing a little, smiling a little and just has a high temp you do not need to go rushing to the doctor.
It is not shocking advice. Generally speaking if the child is otherwise relatively well, then 5 days of fever is usually what the GP will work with.
A GP won't do anything other than look in the ears, throat, listen to the chest and possibly take a wee sample and tell you to manage the fever with paracetamol and plenty of fluids.
If the child is relatively well then it is probably just a virus and it will resolve on its own. The body is designed to raise the temperature to fight infection and I do not give any medicine unless the child is distressed by the temperature or it is going way above 39 degrees.
If the child is pale, drowsy or delerious, not smiling or interacting, cold hands and feet, a non blanching rash, very fast breathing, very fast heartrate, mottled, vomiting, or any other very worrying symptoms then please do seek help immediately.
OP if you are worried then ring 111. Your gut instinct and the child's general demeanor will tell you the best course of action in your case.
It is not shocking advice. Generally speaking if the child is otherwise relatively well, then 5 days of fever is usually what the GP will work with.
A GP won't do anything other than look in the ears, throat, listen to the chest and possibly take a wee sample and tell you to manage the fever with paracetamol and plenty of fluids.
If the child is relatively well then it is probably just a virus and it will resolve on its own. The body is designed to raise the temperature to fight infection and I do not give any medicine unless the child is distressed by the temperature or it is going way above 39 degrees.
If the child is pale, drowsy or delerious, not smiling or interacting, cold hands and feet, a non blanching rash, very fast breathing, very fast heartrate, mottled, vomiting, or any other very worrying symptoms then please do seek help immediately.
OP if you are worried then ring 111. Your gut instinct and the child's general demeanor will tell you the best course of action in your case.
Well I find it shocking to not do anything about a raised temp for days when paracetamol isn't taking it down.
In a child under 5, their temp should be 36 to 38.
It clearly states on the NHS website that if the temp isn't taken down by paracetamol or ibuprofen then you should seek further help.
Sure if you don't give them it, you don't have the worry that calpol or such like hasn't taken it down but if you have, which the OP has, she would be best to give them a call as paracetamol should take a viral high temp down after 45 minutes to an hour.
My son had a high temp and after calpol it didn't go down. He had bacterial croup and was admitted for 3 days. I'm not saying the OPs child is ill or it's serious but the guidance is that anything minor, calpol or such like should take the associated fever with it down
In a child under 5, their temp should be 36 to 38.
It clearly states on the NHS website that if the temp isn't taken down by paracetamol or ibuprofen then you should seek further help.
Sure if you don't give them it, you don't have the worry that calpol or such like hasn't taken it down but if you have, which the OP has, she would be best to give them a call as paracetamol should take a viral high temp down after 45 minutes to an hour.
My son had a high temp and after calpol it didn't go down. He had bacterial croup and was admitted for 3 days. I'm not saying the OPs child is ill or it's serious but the guidance is that anything minor, calpol or such like should take the associated fever with it down
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AprilM89
04/05/2019 at 7:14 pm
In answer to
AprilM89
Well I find it shocking to not do anything about a raised temp for days when paracetamol isn't taking it down.
In a child under 5, their temp should be 36 to 38.
It clearly states on the NHS website that if the temp isn't taken down by paracetamol or ibuprofen then you should seek further help.
Sure if you don't give them it, you don't have the worry that calpol or such like hasn't taken it down but if you have, which the OP has, she would be best to give them a call as paracetamol should take a viral high temp down after 45 minutes to an hour.
My son had a high temp and after calpol it didn't go down. He had bacterial croup and was admitted for 3 days. I'm not saying the OPs child is ill or it's serious but the guidance is that anything minor, calpol or such like should take the associated fever with it down
In a child under 5, their temp should be 36 to 38.
It clearly states on the NHS website that if the temp isn't taken down by paracetamol or ibuprofen then you should seek further help.
Sure if you don't give them it, you don't have the worry that calpol or such like hasn't taken it down but if you have, which the OP has, she would be best to give them a call as paracetamol should take a viral high temp down after 45 minutes to an hour.
My son had a high temp and after calpol it didn't go down. He had bacterial croup and was admitted for 3 days. I'm not saying the OPs child is ill or it's serious but the guidance is that anything minor, calpol or such like should take the associated fever with it down
That's from the NHS website 
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