would u kick ass?

[Mummyofmax]

hi
my 4 year old son has been ill for four weeks on and off, started with a cold then ear infection then the runs. Since last week he has been complaining of flu like symptoms ie: chills, head ache, leg aches, temp for one night, small appetite, and generally nit himself, tired and sad looking. (breaks my heart) We even ended up at out of hours surgery on christmas day. so far its been put down to a cold, ear infection, thoat infection, viral tonsilitis. I have been worried sick even convinced myself its leukameia which is awful i know. today he suddenly seemed to perk up and although he isnt firing on all cylinders he is defintiely improving. It occured to me tonight he may have been suffering with swine flu. im taking him to the doc tomorrow to insist on blood tests as much as he wont like it but i think i might kick ass as i feel let down by lack of commitment on what they say.
Any opinions? x

[whomovedmychocolate]

Doesn't sound like swine flu. Swine flu is characterised by a RAPID onset of very high fever (typically over 38.5) chills, gastric symptoms, lethargy, aches, cold type thing.

Sounds like your son has had a virus and then a post viral infection because he's low. And that's normal really - sorry but it is. Blood tests would show a high white cell count because his immune system is working on overdrive. But nothing else probably.

Give it a few weeks, let him rest (a lot) and recover. Then if he's still sick, take him to the GP again. :)

[Sirzy]

I wouldn't no.

If he had flu/swine flu it is nasty but having had both they both have a lot of the symptoms you mentioned drs thought it could be. It could well have been he had an ear and throat infection - if I get one I generally get the other!

If he is on the mend I really don't understand why you would insist on a blood test?

Hope he is fully better soon, but like PP I would go for the rest, fluids and then see how he is in a week or so.

[Mummyofmax]

thanks whomovedmychocolate, he has all those symptons you mentioned the only difference was the temp came on last tues night over half a day and was 38.9 after calpol.
thanks for the advice about viral infection, such a worry x

[blinks]

i don't understand the anger? a diagnosis of swine flu wouldn't change much would it?

[whomovedmychocolate]

It's normal to worry when they are sick. But they are robust little buggers, four year olds. There have been some pretty awful infections doing the rounds recently, as well as flu. But either way, their either get much much worse or better within a few weeks. You'll know if he gets worse because you are a good mum and you'll know he just doesn't seem to be getting better and isn't himself. :)

[Mummyofmax]

its not so much anger as wanting to get him sorted. he never gets ill so for it to drag on for so long and supposedly get all these bugs seems like they are just 'fobbing' me off. he hasnt been improving at all until today and then he was still struggling so i feel i need to do something.
thanks for the posts x

[blinks]

if it's a virus it can't be fixed. i know it's hard not to feel frustrated when your child is ill for a long period but your wrath is mis-directed if he's now starting to improve. actually their diagnosis of 'a bug' is correct or he'd be getting steadily worse.

[Sirzy]

Sometimes there is nothing that can be done. As frustrating as it is as a parent but there is no treatment for viruses. You can treat the symptoms (pain relief etc) but can't treat the virus itself.

[FanjoForTheMincePies]

My 4 year old DD had a bug recently which took her a good few weeks to get over, not sure it was swi e flu but all they could do was pain relief and fluid anyway.

[activate]

he has had a string of illnesses - lots of them have - if he is getting better then a blood test for no reason is cruel.

The only reason to inflict a bloodd test on a small child is if it leads to a diagnosis of something that can then be treated

your son has been under the weather - boost his immune system with healthy diet and those drinking yogurts with acidopholus

[whomovedmychocolate]

The problem with viruses is that even if they are diagnosed, they are untreatable other than reducing fever and analgesia. That's it. Antivirals don't work unless introduced almost before symptoms start. Antibiotics do bugger all to virii - except make you more susceptible because they decimate your good bacteria as well as any baddies floating about.

Really the doctors are saying good things, by saying: it's not a serious illness, your child will be okay.

We expect doctors to be able to fix everything these days but really there is not much they can do.

[sneezecakesmum]

I constantly hear similar stories and encounter the same level of anger because doctors arent prescribing antibiotics like they used to. Also the same 'fobbing off' argument.

It just seems impossible for some parents to understand that viruses are nasty, they make children ill and unhappy, they can follow one another (piggybacking)and drag on endlessly.

Doctors can and do check chests, ears, throats and offer advice and reassurance. They will also do this 2 or 3 times in a week to ensure a bacterial infection hasnt become a secondary infection.

It may feel like DS is alone in his marathon but I can assure you he isnt! And as for swine flu, it does not sound typical at all.

[madwomanintheattic]

kick ass? what for? being given sensible advice?
meh.
having sick kids is a pita and it's depressing when it drags on, but i'm not sure what you are so het up about, really. he's getting over it. so should you.

[jollyoldstnickschick]

My ds has been ill for 10 years Ive cried,kicked ass,sought opinion after opinion and finally my son has a diagnosis.

CFS/M.E.

Knowing what it is hasnt made it any easier though.

If I were you id encourage him to rest,eat healthily,avoid poorly people,dose him up with a tonic and keep a diary.

I bet in 4 weeks hes much better.

This time of year is crappy for viruses and things dont seem so bad when the sun shines.

[Mummyofmax]

Hi Jolly
sorry to hear that, my partner had ME 7 years ago for about a year and half. Its not nice. Thanks for your advice.
My son is poorly again and docs have hinted that swine flu is rife where we live so it possibly was that.
xx

[TheUnmentioned]

I think the fact he only had a fever for such a short time would indicate it is just a virus. of course flu is a virus but normally the fever would last longer.

ds was ill a couple of weeks ago, v high fever, shaky, sore, aches all over, cold etc - swabbed for flu = neg. then he was ill again last week, same symptoms but much, much higher and longer lasting non responsive fever - swabbed for flu = positive but think it was the underlying chest infection that actually was the real problem.

unless you think he has a bacterial infection there really is no point in further examinations at this stage. Good diet, plenty of fluids, rest etc and he'll be ok.