What's the latest on giving Paracetamol for a temp?

[JLeigh29]

So, DS (3) has a cold, cough and temps of between 38 and 39. Other than that, he's his normal, happy self. What are the 'new' rules about when to give paracetamol....I know temps above 40 in a baby can lead to convulsions, but what about toddlers? I also know that you're not supposed to give panadol for temp alone, but at what temp do you change tactics and just give it? I don't like to give meds just because, but I would like to know the latest guidelines, just in case....

When are you 'supposed' to give paracetamol for a temperature, both in babies and toddlers?

[JLeigh29]

Just found this on ABC website...

Is bringing your temperature down important when you have a fever? - Health & Wellbeing

Basically, you can give for temps over 38.5 if the child is uncomfortable, but the aim isn't to reduce the fever. It also said giving paracetamol for colds has been shown to worsen nasal symptoms...we'll skip it here for now...

[jellybean88]

I've always given neurofen because I find paracetamol doesn't work on ds (doesn't work on dh either) but ill give it to him if he indicates that he's in any discomfort or for temp over 38 also try get him to drink more water

[Arimeh]

I only give it if they are miserable and look to be suffering. If they have a high temp but are acting normally, I try to bring it down in other ways

[CinderToriella]

I don't give it often .
Last week DD1 who is 3 woke up not well , crying not eating drinking just looking sick , she vomited at lunch time after drinking milk , and wouldn't drink any water , she has two day sleeps which she doesn't do .. I checked her temp it was 38.2 then it went up to 38.8 she was very unwell so I gave her a dose and a tepid bath and got her to sip some water a hour later she was back to her old self in a way , temp down drinking water Etc

I think you jist have to use your judgment on your child , you know them best you know xx

[JLeigh29]

I haven't given him anything as he seems happy enough (as happy as you can be with a cough and dripping nose), but I can't get him to drink much. Even ice cubes haven't worked. I'm making chicken soup now, but I doubt I will even be able to get him to try it - he is quite 'particular' about food. He only did his first wee at 10am since bed time, and it was tiny. Might make some juice/cordial iceblocks, not that he drinks juice or cordial...

[CinderToriella]

What about icy poles the lemonade ones ?

[~Hestia~]

We're the same as Arimeh. If they are looking or behaving sick, we will dose them up. If it's a fever and nothing else then we tend to wait and see, pop them in a tepid bath, less clothing etc. I hope your little guy is feeling better very soon.

[Phteven]

I don't give anything for a temp unless it is worryingly high and/or accompanied by other symptoms that are making them miserable.
A temperature plays an important role in our bodies immune system. Its function is to make our body too hot for germs to thrive so letting a fever run its course can help to reduce the severity of an illness.

[chody47]

I too only give it if they are seeming unwell in other ways. In fact, it's usually these other unwell behaviours that make me even think to check their temp in the first place....

[JLeigh29]

Chody - good point, same here!

DS now has a 39+ degree temp, flushed cheeks and just fell asleep sitting up (hasn't slept during the day for months). I did try to get him to have Panadol, but he decided he'd rather not, stubborn little so-and-so. He's eating a little, had a few sips of water too. But he's lethargic and looks miserable

He never gets sick (the odd cold only), so I haven't had to deal with a sick child before. I hate feeling so helpless!! Is there anything else I should try? (He won't do a bath unless i force the issue and i don't want to upset him any more. I've got some homemade icy-poles if I really need them too). iShould I try again with the Panadol? How?

[Little Chicken]

I don't give anything for a temp unless it is worryingly high and/or accompanied by other symptoms that are making them miserable.
A temperature plays an important role in our bodies immune system. Its function is to make our body too hot for germs to thrive so letting a fever run its course can help to reduce the severity of an illness.

Basically this.
Fever plays an important role in an immune response. If they are happy, then don't treat it. If they are miserable, then do treat it.

[YoYo]

Maybe try some lemonade??

DD had temp yesterday of 39.4, she was complaining of a sore throat and has slept during the day two days in a row.... Like you, unheard of!

She had her last temp during last night, gave some nurofen and she slept well and woke up much better. The temp helps fight and I think is a necessary evil but good to keep an eye on.

[jellybean88]

If ds doesn't drink water cause he is unwell he will usually give into cordial cause its a treat I make it weak or I give him sparkling mineral water which is also a novelty

[Phteven]

Lethargy is when I seek professional help.

[Frangipani Lou]

Convulsions can happen at any temp.

Here's the latest info:

When to see your doctor

Trust your own instincts, but seek medical help if your child:
Is aged six months or less
Has a rash
Has a fever of 40°C or more
Is still feverish after a day or so, despite four-hourly doses of baby paracetamol
Vomits or has persistent diarrhoea
Refuses food or drink
Cries inconsolably
Seems listless, floppy or just looks ill
Convulses or twitches
Has trouble breathing
Is in pain
If you feel at all worried or concerned at any stage, consult with your doctor.
Treatment for a fever
Dress your child in light clothing.
Give drinks of clear fluid (like water).
Keep your child cool.
Give paracetamol in the correct dose for the child’s age (but not more than four doses in a 24-hour period). Do not give regular paracetamol medicine for more than 24 hours without seeking advice from your doctor.
See your doctor if your child is three months or younger.
Don't give your child a cold bath. Give a lukewarm bath or sponge. Cold water cools the skin but does not lower the body temperature.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/b...Fever_children

Nurse on call were fab last time DD was sick. It just helped me to know I was doing everything I could to help DD.
tel:1300606024

[JLeigh29]

He ended up dozing on and off for about 40mins and is more animated now...I was ready to cart him off to the drs if he didn't perk up.

Can't tempt him with cordial or lemonade, and even his fave, ice cubes, weren't touched. Managed to get a few sips of water in. He's eating carbs though... (If you hadn't picked up, DS has a few sensory issues - we're starting with an OT next week, but that doesn't help us now...)

Thanks everyone for letting me worry on here. I do feel like a bit of a worrywart and that I'm hassling everyone, but I also don't want to wait and see too long, especially if There's something else i can be doing. and dehydration worries me. He hasn't wee'd since 10am. Drs tomorrow I think, we have to see them anyway so might just book an extra long appointment....

[Jaycee]

Don't feel bad, that's what we're all here for!