Secondary infection

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Sorry posting here for traffic.

Ds (3) has been poorly with a cough for 2 weeks (not covid, negative tests) which seemed to be getting worse last week. He started with another fever on Thursday so we took him back to the go who said it was probably viral.
Today we took him back again as he has had a fever for 5 days, swollen hunky eyes, cough, and just generally unwell and lethargic. Dr said he has picked up a secondary bacterial infection in his middle ear and both his eyes.
I've given him his first dose of antibiotics tonight but he seems to be at his worst tonight. Very high temp not being brought down by calpol, constant cough, shaking, fast breathing etc. obviously we saw a dr earlier and he gave us antibiotics so do we just have to wait for those to kick in? I'm worried he's worse tonight and just feeling a bit anxious

Gunky eyes not hunky eyes!! Although they are rather beautiful eyes haha!

If you're worried I would get him seen. Fast breathing is a red flag for me and he may need an inhaler or oxygen which is easily assessed and sorted in A&E - are you near one?

Childrens A&E are always really happy to see children and get them checked out. Children can deteriorate quickly so it's always worth being proactive

Listen to your instincts. It doesn’t matter if he saw a doctor earlier, if you think he’s very unwell now and his temperature isn’t coming down you need to get him seen again. I would ring 111 for advice.

@yummychoccy

If you're worried I would get him seen. Fast breathing is a red flag for me and he may need an inhaler or oxygen which is easily assessed and sorted in A&E - are you near one?

We are about 45 minutes away so I could get to one. The dr checked his airways earlier and said his chest sounded clear though. Don't want to waste time as I know I'm a very anxious mum but he seems to be really struggling tonight and he's had this fever since Thursday

Children can go downhill fast I would phone 111 as a minimum a temperature that you can't get down and brstajubg problems are red flags to me.

You are never wasting anyone's time in A&E with an obviously poorly child. They'd rather see you now than risk him getting any worse.

I would absolutely go to A and E with hose symptoms. Trust your instincts.

A&E now, he needs reassessment urgently

I'm not an over anxious mum although many people have called me one as I've taken my kids YET AGAIN to hospital. Every single time it was warranted and staff said I'd done the right thing. (They've been admitted nearly every time too) in your shoes I'd ring 111 immediately. Hope he gets better soon.

My 3yo was poorly in Sept and ended up spending the night in hospital being observed and given inhaler. His chest was clear but was tight so needed inhaler to relax it. They see it all the time (all the other kids were in for the same thing!). He just needed it for a few days whilst he got over the virus. So just because his chest is clear doesn't mean he doesn't need seeing now. I wouldn't bother with 111 as they can take ages. I would just take him down. They can deteriorate over night.

If you think he’s struggling to breathe go to A&E. These things often worsen during the night so worth getting him checked out if his breathing is already rapid.

We called 111 last night due to DD1 (nearly 3) having an episode of fast breathing and trouble catching her breath. She got back to sleep and we weren't sure if worthy of going to A&E after the fact.
We got a call back from a doctor within 2 hours where they did a video consult, listening and watching her breathing.
Very reassuring & he went through the specific signs we should look for and take her to A&E for.
But if you are concerned that he could deteriorate before you get a call back I would go in.