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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take three month old to A&E

72 replies

Hiphopopotamonster · 14/04/2023 07:33

So my three month old has what I am fairly certain is Covid (it’s been running through the family for the last week) I was set to manage her symptoms at home with calpol etc but I’m feeling concerned now - her breathing is very noisy, she feels very hot (our thermometer is broken so I can’t check numbers) and I’m really struggling to get her to feed.

my experience with 111 is that I spend all day waiting for a call back just to be directed to a and e. And same with the gp. So am I being unreasonable to take her or am I one of those drains on nhs resources?

OP posts:
Sunnysunbun · 14/04/2023 07:34

Can you call your GP?

Oysterbabe · 14/04/2023 07:34

At 3 months old I would always be on the safe side. You should be able to get a same day GP appointment though.

LikeEmeraldeyes · 14/04/2023 07:35

I'd be inclined to borrow a thermometer from someone or dash to the supermarket for one. My only caveat would be - has baby had any wet nappies overnight? Are they floppy or lethargic?
Also gp can check for a chest infection

Gabby10 · 14/04/2023 07:35

When I had to call 111 for DD after her 16 week jabs I had a call back within minutes. Not sure how your hospital works but ours have a 'out of hours' docs in the hospital it's self so you aren't waiting in a&e but there if they need to be transferred. Call 111 if you're worried x

Original poster
Hiphopopotamonster · 14/04/2023 07:36

My experience with our GP is that they err on the side of caution and send you up to A&E frequently anyway. I suppose I’m trying to avoid waiting all day for a GP appointment/111 call just to eve up 12 hours later where I could be this morning

OP posts:
AluckyEllie · 14/04/2023 07:37

3 months or less just go to a&e. Be prepared to wait though as it’s still the doctors strikes. Drink/food for you. They will probably prioritise you those as she’s so little.

pandarific · 14/04/2023 07:37

Just go to a and e - they will prioritise babies.

Hercules12 · 14/04/2023 07:38

I would just go with a 3 month old. Surely no one in hospital will think you shouldn’t take a 3 month old in.

Arewehumanorarewecupboards · 14/04/2023 07:38

Can you call the an and e. If you’ve all had covid they may or may not want her there.

Is she having wet nappies?

I hope she’s better soon.

Raindancer411 · 14/04/2023 07:43

I would take, wear a mask and one of you go in alone and say you all had covid and baby May have. They will probably keep you in the car or have a spare room to put you in and keep you clear. But as so young, don't risk it... I would go

craigth162 · 14/04/2023 07:43

100% go

UmbilicusProfundus · 14/04/2023 07:44

Just go to A&E. No one is going to make you feel like you are a drain on resources with a 3 month old.

Tarantullah · 14/04/2023 07:45

I'd call 111 whilst getting prepped to go in, for a 3 month old they will probably phone back fairly quickly- if you live between hospitals they can give a heads up which one is quieter etc. I wouldn't wait around for ages for a call back though. Change of clothes, toy, nappies, feeding stuff (if not BF), I'd take calpol in case you're waiting but note the time of the last dose, and some bits for you too- drink, snacks etc.

Tarantullah · 14/04/2023 07:46

They won't refuse to see a 3 month old because they (might) have covid they'll just want to know as soon as you get there.

youshouldnthaveasked · 14/04/2023 07:47

For all the reasons you said, go to a&e

NewLifter · 14/04/2023 07:47

Is she having wet nappies? When you say noisy breathing, is it congestion or actual chestiness? Is she coughing? You need to get a thromonotor urgently regardless.

If reduced wet nappies and/ or chesty cough - definitely a&e.

IForgotMyUsernameAgain · 14/04/2023 07:49

If you go, be prepared to wait with plenty of supplies. The doctors are on strike.

SorePaw · 14/04/2023 07:49

@Hiphopopotamonster

I hope you're at or on the way to the hospital. I'd ring the hospital on the way, if you can get through let them know you've had covid & think she has now.

hope she's ok soon ☺️

Moonopoly · 14/04/2023 07:54

@Raindancer411 our local A&E doesn’t isolate for covid anymore. I saw an ambulance crew bring a young girl in and he said ‘she has covid where shall we put her’ and the nurse said just in the waiting room is fine…

Moonopoly · 14/04/2023 07:55

I would definitely take her OP (Hope you are already there) too little to take any risks. Hope she is better soon

GoodChat · 14/04/2023 08:00

What kind of noisy breathing? Chesty/snuffly or like she's struggling to breathe?

stressbucket1 · 14/04/2023 08:06

I would say A&E first thing is a better option than waiting all day trying 111 or GP.
A very young baby that isn't feeding well with a temp that doesn't respond to calpol and breathing difficulties A&E

cherrytreecottage · 14/04/2023 08:10

My DD had suspected covid at 5 months old (DH & I had it) and had these symptoms. However, although she was feeling hot she never actually had a temp (I used 3 different thermometers as I couldn't believe it!) and continued to have wet nappies, despite barely feeding at all. Had a GP call back within an hour and was told if wet nappies stop - to get to A&E, so there was no concern re taking her in with the suspected covid! As others have said, they'll never turn you away with a 3mo and if you're concerned then it's better to be safe than sorry!

DisquietintheRanks · 14/04/2023 08:17

I think you should try harder to get a gp appointment (have you actually tried at all) and fgs buy a thermometer. If you really can't get to see the gp then yes a&e.

Downwithitall · 14/04/2023 08:21

Always go to A&E with a baby. 111 is worse than useless (downright dangerous in fact) so unless you can get a same day gp appointment go straight to A&E.

Hope little one feels better soon x