Q: My child with the flu is sleeping with a fever of 38.6°C. Should I wake him up to give medicine?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My 3rd-grade child has the flu. I gave him a fever reducer around 4:30 PM when his temperature was 38.6°C, and he has been sleeping since 5:00 PM. While sleeping, his fever dropped to about 37.7°C but slowly rose again and is currently back to 38.6°C. Can I just let him sleep without waking him up? Last night his fever spiked to 40.7°C, so I am worried it will get that high again. At what temperature should I wake him up to give him a fever reducer?

Answer:

It must be very concerning to see your child struggling with recurrent high fevers from the flu.

Based on your current situation (a fever reducer was taken a few hours ago, and his temperature is now 38.6°C), if your child is breathing comfortably and sleeping soundly, you do not need to wake him up; you can simply observe him. The primary purpose of a fever reducer is not just to lower the number on the thermometer, but to make the child comfortable when they are feeling unwell.

Wake him up immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• Labored breathing (e.g., rough breathing sounds, or the chest/skin under the ribs pulling inward).

• Blue lips or a pale face.

• Unresponsiveness or extreme limpness when you try to wake him.

• Seizures (stiffening or shaking of the body).

If he is sleeping comfortably without any of the symptoms above:

• Let him continue to sleep and gently check on him every 30 to 60 minutes.

• When he wakes up naturally, offer small amounts of water frequently to keep him hydrated. If he seems uncomfortable, you can give another dose of the fever reducer, ensuring a 4 to 6-hour interval from his last dose.

• Remember that your child's overall behavior, hydration level, and breathing state are much more important than the exact temperature reading.

Please contact or visit your pediatrician tomorrow morning if:

• His fever repeatedly stays at or above 40°C even after taking fever reducers.

• He barely drinks any water or has not urinated for 8 hours or more.

• He is extremely lethargic or severely irritable when awake.

• You need to confirm or adjust his antiviral prescription for the flu.

Continue to monitor him closely through the night, but prioritize his rest if he is sleeping peacefully. Consult your pediatrician in the morning for further evaluation if his symptoms persist or worsen.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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