My son a low temperature

My son has a temperature of 96.4 but is sweating. He has been sick and we gave him tylenol before taking him to his aunts then she gave him tylenol two hrs after should I take him to the doctor or hospital? he is'nt acting strange. just sleeping maybe I'm just worrying too much?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

I don't know how old your son is, but the method you use to take temperature can affect the reading you get.  So, if your son is an infant or baby and you took a rectal temerature, this reading would be fairly accurate.  However, if you son is older and you took his temperature by mouth, under an arm, or with an ear thermometer, these readings are sometimes not that accurate.  Also, when we are starting to get a fever or if we have taken Tylenol and a fever is starting to break, we sweat.  My guess would be that your son had a slight fever and the Tylenol started working and dropped his temperature causing him to sweat.  I would just keep a close eye on him, make sure he is hydrated and see how he feels.  If you are concerned you can always contact his pediatrician but more than likely he is just a little sick and will get better with some rest.  Good Luck

Bridget

Also, as a side note, Tylenol is usually given every 4 hours.  Check the bottle for the correct dosage that goes with your child's weight and give the correct dose every 4 hours as needed.  Giving the Tylenol more frequently will not make it more effective and can be dangerous.