Ear infection, should we fly?

[FedUp120028]

It's not aibu but posting for traffic really as we're due to go away tomorrow.

I think my little boy has an ear infection with discharge coming from the ear. We are due for 3 nights in the Canary Islands tomorrow. The excess and given how cheap the holiday was just isn't worth claiming on.

Would you go or just cut loses and stay home? I'd lose around £500. Was a very cheap break away.

Have you taken him to the doctor's or pharmacist? Pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics now. We got some for our son the day before we flew.

I wouldn’t unless given the ok by a doctor. Can you get him seen this evening?

Has he got any pain at all?

See the pharmacist for some antibiotics, use Sudafed to help drain the eustachian tubes.

If it's already burst the ear drum GP will probably say fit to fly as pressure build up will have been released. You need medical advice.

Any pharmacies open in your area?

If not, ring 111 to see if they can arrange an out of hours/urgent treatment centre appointment.

I wouldn’t go without seeing a doctor or pharmacist and getting treatment first.

As others have said pharmacist can prescribe for ear infection for ages between 1-18 as part of the pharmacy first scheme at least seek advice from them first then decide.

He's been a bit miserable.

The discharge is like a snotty texture and yellowy. I'll get medical advice.

You must get medical advice first.
I understand it’s frustrating that the holiday might have to be cancelled but it’s not worth risking his health and possible deafness.

Type your postcode into search box OP.
Then you can filter for the results to show you pharmacies that are open right now.

Don’t delay.

www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

No I won't go if there is any risk. Besides I'm travelling on my own with two young children and I don't fancy it if he's going to be miserable with an ear infection even without the risks!

The nearest pharmacy open is over half hours drive and I don't drive so would take forever on public transport. Otherwise it's thr Emergency Department.

Just going to cut my loses I think.

I'd be nervous that the ear drum would rupture due to the change in pressure.

Yeah exactly. Think I'm just gunna cut my losses and not bother.

If there is discharge then the ear drum has already ruptured. It would likely be fine even without antibiotics but a course of penicillin would generally be prescribed and also I would keep him out of the water. So maybe not much of a holiday if you did go?

I'd try to make an out of hours appointment at your local hospital and get a taxi there and back. If you go to a pharmacy they might just say he needs a doctor anyway and it would be a wasted trip.
Lying on a hot water bottle with a flannel or tea towel over the top (so it doesn't burn his face) should help him with the pain.

He doesn't go in the pool much anyway and if he does I just carry him round it.

As it was so cheap I'm just not sure if it's worth the miserable time.

111 did say to see someone within the next 24hrs and recommended our ED department of wanting to be seen tonight but a return taxi to there is in excess of £100. Just a bit of headache for 3 nights and a miserable time.

We have a UTC but it is walk in and requires attendance at the ED reception anyhow.

I'd get antibiotics tonight and go, but no swimming.
My daughter has had many ear infections.

He needs antibiotics regardless of the holiday op. You need to get him seen

I know this. I am still taking him to be seen. Just the made the decision not to go is all.