Fever - quick replies please

DS2 has been unwell with a cold all week. He has suddenly developed a fever of 39 and has become drowsy and restless.

At what point does he need to see a dr?

Is 39 a mild or high fever?

Thanks in advance.

if he's drowsy and restless I'd have him checked over. Especially if he is normally awake and alert at this time.

When I spoke to nurse on call (not sure if they have one in SA - in VIC is a number you can ring) the other week they said anything over 39 to see a doctor. My kids run high temps and my little man was 39.8 but quite happy and only a little drowsy. I went to doc no reason could be found for temperature and he was better the next day. I would say at your DS2 age I would see a doctor.

I'm far from an expert but have had this happen with both my kids. It's not nice when they run a higher than normal temp.

When it's happened with my boys, my first move is to give them Nurafen/Panadol. Then, if they are still hot after 15-20 or so mins, I put them in a tepid bath (body temp) - it helps bring the fever down relatively quickly.

He could just be drowsy and restless because he feels hot and lousy, so maybe see how he is after some medication and/or bath. Alternatively, could he be drowsy because it's usually his sleep time?

If it were me, I'd either keep an eye on him tonight and take him to the dr tomorrow, or if you feel he's getting worse or his behaviour is concerning you, you could either call an after hours dr or take him to hospital if you're really worried.

Good luck, hope he's better soon, xx

Have you given panadol?
If it won't come down with panadol and he is drowsy I would take him to the ER.

The RCH in Vic currently recommend not treating a fever until 39C, at which time you should administer Panadol or Nurofen. Is your little bloke rousable and does he have a rash? If he is just generally miserable and it is getting near bed time, I would administer Panadol and watch him for the next hour or so. If he is not rousable, has a rash or is having trouble breathing I would take him to A and E. If your Mummy Radar is telling you that something is very wrong, it can't hurt to take him, better safe than sorry!

If it's a sudden fever, and has hit him hard I'd be taking him to the afterhours service.

Mummy radar is the best indication - if your gut says do it, just do it.

Thanks for your replies girls.

I ended up ringing Health direct who said to monitor him and take his temp in an hour. If its still 39 or over take him to see a dr.

His temp is still around 38.5 after Panadol and has fallen asleep in my arms without his boobie, that never ever happens, he is usually running around like a tornado until I call him over to feed to sleep, he only has one speed so it's concerning to see him like this :(

:hug: When they were so little and couldn't really tell what is up I would take them in, mainly because DD was prone to ear infections and they came with no pain but a high fever. Having said that she once had a virus we couldn't do anything about even with her fever at 41 with panadol so you just never know. My DS has had a fever all arvo yesterday and then today the spewing started but both of mine are a bit older now so I tend to watch and wait but when they were little I would take them in, especially if they were very lethargic and not interested in food/drink. :hug: Hope he gets better soon xoxoxo

39 is actually classed as a high temp. 37.5 is a mild temp for children. Not to scare you or anything but when my daughter was younger she actually ended up hitting 41 degrees (temp spiked quite quickly) and she started having a febrile convulsion. It was quite frightening but I took all her clothing off while she shook and called an ambulance. Luckily a cool damp cloth helped cool her down but the frothing at the mouth scared me so much I don't ever hesitate to see a dr when it comes to kids and fevers.

You can use nurofen and panadol about 3-4 hours apart which seems to help so much more than panadol. I hope your little one feels well soon.

How is he today darl?
We're running very high temps here too :( managing ok with pain relief

Was wondering the same thing, how is your DS2 this morning?

He's much better this morning but not before getting worse overnight.

His temp stayed between 38.8 and 39.5 most of the night and he did a lovely power chuck all over me at 1am. Needless to say I didn't sleep a wink for fear of him overheating.

But the temp is all but gone this morning and no more vomiting so that's good.

Thanks for asking :hug:

i usually take my kids to the dr when they get 38 degree temps just for a once over, i probably would have been up the ER with over 39 degree temp... maybe i am a bit of a drama queen! eeeep!

Gotta love those power chucks! Glad to hear he's better today - hope he has a good night's sleep (and you do too).