Doctors or not?

[honeytoast2]

Never really know what to do in these situations. Ds3 is very unwell with what I’m fairly sure is a viral infection. Started with a cough which has gotten worse, lots of sneezing, temp of 38.5, off her food and very clingy and upset. Drinking and weeing ok but definitely too poorly for anything other than resting at home.

Do you ride it out with these these things or try and see a doctor? We are both exhausted after 2 sleepless nights and I’m wondering if I ought to set my alarm to try and get through to the doctor in the morning or just sleep in. I’m fairly sure they will say viral but I suppose there’s a part of me that always wants confirmation from a professional that it’s nothing else. We’re only 3-4 days in.

I wouldn't bother for that. I go if their breathing is affected or they are inconsolable and not drinking with a high temp.

No its a treat at home job IMO.

I’ve only gone to the doctors for very high temperatures that haven’t been brought down by calpol, also wheezy breathing and fast laboured breathing

At times today she’s been fairly inconsolable. She’s clearly struggling. But yeah I tend to agree with you. It’s very hard to know when you are being over cautious and draining services when you don’t need to. I always second guess myself and get super anxious when my kids are unwell.

I think if you have any doubts or worries then take them to the doctor.

Honestly id probably be there a lot if I did this! But also its really difficult to get through to my doctors never mind get an actual appointment. I guess I will see how she is tomorrow.

Alder Hey has good guides on red flag symptoms https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/conditions/symptoms-checker/fever-high-temperature/

I would say if she's been like this for 4 days I think I would be seeing a GP, unless she shows signs of improving soon.

I would get it checked it could be her ears or tonsils. Is she worse at night, lying down?

Not really, I mean it’s waking her up a lot but it’s no worse than during the day.

Peeing, pooing and drinking are the things to watch - if they are okay tbh I’d ride it out. Keep a close eye on her temp. If she starts being listless then get her looked at of course and keep a close eye out for any rashes etc.

Healthier Together 0-18 is a great NHS website for advice on managing childhood illness etc.

https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/fever

https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/cough-and-cold

Second the healthier together website! Have a read through that, anything flags and seek assessment.

Generally only 4 days in is quite a short history, if they're drinking well, can be up and about, not looking to be struggling with breathing then would watch and wait a bit longer - especially if seem 'stable' i.e. not getting worse each day.

Anecdotally I find most self limiting infections have reached the worst by day 3-5, settle for a few days then improving to a complete resolution at 2-3 weeks.