Is paracetamol and rest enough?

[Halifaxmum]

Halifax son (age 14) is ill with very sore throat (can drink water and managed a small amount of porridge), aches and pains all over, headache, fever (39.1, with paracetamol) yet cold feet and legs. He has no rash or light sensitivity but has neck pain that comes and goes, although he can move it up and down and to the side without further pain.

I've been giving him 4x5ml Calpol every 4 hours, water and he's stayed in bed. Is this enough? Or is there anything else I should do for him? I checked on NHs Direct and this was all they advised. Our GPs are rubbish at giving appointments - usually have to wait a week!

TIA x

[Sqad]

Seems fine to me, although Paracetamol wouldn't be my analgesic of choice despite the advice of NHS Direct.

Carry on and monitor the situation for 48 hours as it ids probably viral but may be bacterial in which case he may need antibiotics.

[Halifaxmum]

Thanks Sqadster! x

Which painkiller would you give him? :)

[Sqad]

Ibuprofen 400mgms three times a day.

[Halifaxmum]

thanks, will do :)

[Halifaxmum]

we're doing that now, he still has a temp and really cold feet and legs, but no rash.

he has managed some chicken soup, so hopefully that might help?!

[starone]

Poor little chap! Hope he gets better soon.

[boxtops]

I know sqad's a fan, but I find Ibuprofen gives me a dodgy stomach, I gather from posts on here that it's a common side-effect.

[sara3]

have you considered glandular fever?

obviously I hope it's just a sore throat/fever :o)

[LoftyLottie]

Agree Boxtops. I prefer paracetamol. No nasty side effects (unless you overdose of course). I find paracetamol much better at reducing temperature and for pain relief. Ibuprofen better for arthritic pain and reducing inflammation.

[Halifaxmum]

thank you starbuck x

box & lofty - i am only giving him ibuprofen when he's managed to eat something (so far, 2 bites of a banana and some chicken soup)

sara - how would I know if it was glandular fever? forgive my ignorance!

[237SJ]

If he had glandular fever he would have an extremely sore throat and would have swollen glands in his neck. it`s very debilitating and causes extreme tiredness. It can hang around for months. I`d just watch it and see how it goes.

[Halifaxmum]

thanks 237 - he is struggling to swallow, but can still at the moment.

his glands are swollen and he has slept a couple of hours today, as well as a lot last night (he usually sleeps 7-8 hours a night) and is very tired. I know he's ill because he's got no interest whatsoever in his xbox!

I will do as you say and keep my eye on him

[237SJ]

I hope he feels better soon.

[Halifaxmum]

ty 237

[Halifaxmum]

Just an update on Halifax son - he's a lot worse today, so we managed to get in at the doc's - Dr Gandhi you are lovely!

Unfortunately, doc says he has septic tonsillitis/glandular fever, so is on anti-bs and rest.

[Euphemia]

I hope that he is now a bit more comfortable and makes a speedy recovery.

[Halifaxmum]

thanks euphy!

[Halifaxmum]

well here we are almost 2 weeks later and back to day 1.

H son had a week of anti-b's and seemed to get a bit better - even went back to school. But came home yesterday really unwell and is off again - once again has swollen white-covered tonsils, fever, aching, headache and very tired.

I'm going to ring the doc's to try to get in tomorrow - does this sound like glandular fever?

Thanks

[Sqad]

No it doesn't particularly, but a simple blood test will soon answer the question.

I would suggest that you "hit the ibuprofen again" and let the Dr see him tomorrow.

[Halifaxmum]

ok, will do dr sqad! :)