Please help.Poorly 5YO abroad, should I call for medical help?

6 replies

OkTrinny · 22/02/2023 16:16

Currently abroad in Africa, we're back in the UK on friday.
5 YO been sniffly for a few days now has had a temp since yesterday, vomited last night and this morning, have been giving calpol but his temp is taking ages to go down, hes just so hot to touch. Hes not eating but has been sipping small amounts of water. Hes been complaining his tummy hurts since this afternoon, just earlier he managed a wee and poo. Was hard/normal not runny as I'd presumed. Hes been in bed most of the day carried him out to balcony for air for a bit but otherwise lying on bed or sleeping. I'm getting so anxious about him.

We have travel insurance but I'm reluctant to use it because of the things I've heard about doctors abroad from close friends and family. One friend told me the doctor asked if she had insurance, when she said yes, the dr prescribed unnecessary medication to her ill child because knew she could claim on the insurance.

Please advise me on what to do, I'm getting so anxious.

OP posts:

WaitingForSunnyDays · 22/02/2023 16:22

Please call your travel insurance. They should be able to give you advice, but it sounds like going to a doctor is a good idea. If you're in a hotel they may also have a link to a local doctor.

DramaLlama20 · 22/02/2023 16:41

Yes I'd speak to the hotel about getting a doctor to see him. Please don't travel back on Friday if he's vomited within 48 hours.

RelentlessForwardProgress · 22/02/2023 16:44

Are you staying in a hotel? If so ask the front desk for a recommendation, they probably have a local who comes in to see guests.

Springintoabetterlife · 22/02/2023 16:48

Have you taken his temperature? Tried nurofen - often better than calpol for temperature. What would you do in this situation if you were at home?

ShirleyPhallus · 22/02/2023 16:49

RelentlessForwardProgress · 22/02/2023 16:44

Are you staying in a hotel? If so ask the front desk for a recommendation, they probably have a local who comes in to see guests.

I agree with this. travel insurance is there for a reason.

hope he feels better soon

fourikeachairs · 22/02/2023 16:49

Could you pay to do a telemedicine or zoom visit with a doctor you trust (a paediatrician in the nearest large city, maybe? I don't know) to get advice on what to do if for example your child doesn't improve in the next 24 hours? Or obviously if they thought he needed to be seen immediately, they could advise either way.

Flip