When to start worrying

[itsnotfair10]

Hi everyone!

My ds has been ill since Christmas Eve. Fever, chesty cough, complaining of sore arms/legs and a runny nose.

Sounds like a typical flu/cold virus but my concern is that he hasn't really eaten anything since the 23rd Dec. A banana, satsuma and half a slice of toast is all he has had across the 4 days. When do I need to start worrying about this/ take him to the doctor or do i just ride it out and hope he starts eating again when his throat feels better?

He is drinking ok, and keeps asking for milk which I have given so at least he is getting fluids and some calories but he is looking so washed out and is quite tired.

I'm thinking ride it out but I don't know if that's because my doctor is so unsympathetic and makes me feel like some paranoid mother whenever I go. Just for background I have been twice to the doctor with ds in 3 years once for a bad rash and once after he had a cough for 4 weeks, and both times the doctor has made me feel like crap as if I drag him down there for no reason! So I guess I am reluctant to go unless I really believe there is something wrong.

Any help or advice on this would be much appreciated! Lack of sleep is making me doubt myself!

Thanks

You don't say how old he is but Yes, I'd say just rude it out.

It diesnt sound like anything you'd need antibiotics for so you are likely to get Calpol and/or ibuprofen from the doctors - both of which you can get from the pharmacist.

If cost is an issue you can register your child with the minor ailments scheme at the pharmacist and get free pain relief (and much more) medication.

The full daily dose of Calpol or ibuprofen is better than just 'as an when feeling poorly' I find. Giving the 3 max doses of ibuprofen over 3 days for example builds up better all-round pain relief than ad-hoc doses.

It's ok not to eat when ds is feeling rotten. Just keep his fluids up. Lots of rest, let him sleep where snd when he can. Manage his temprature by keeping him warm or cool (if he feels cold or hot).

Thank you. Ds is three. He has had plenty of colds etc over the years but has never been this bad so it's thrown me all off!

Thanks for the advice

Your poor ds! It's certainly the season for all the nasties to come creeping out, my two got struck with similar at the same time, it was dreadful. I did as pp said, calpol & ibuprofen and we also discovered, via Mumsnet, for runny/blocked noses Sterimar which is great, but expensive, stuff! However, two trips to the doctor in three years does certainly NOT make you a paranoid mother. You should never feel shamed into not visiting a GP when you have genuine concerns, I would be looking to change if that were an option. Go with your instincts, if your gut starts telling you it's something more make an appointment, better to suffer the wrath of the GP than miss something potentially serious. It does sound like what my two had though, good luck x

I'd possibly get him checked out by GP just to get throat and ears checked for any infection or tonsillitis if he is hardly eating. Please don't feel you are wasting their time it's better to be safe than sorry. It's unlikely to be anything serious and the fact he's getting plenty fluids Is good.
Could you take him a walk in centre if you don't want to see the GP ? (But you should not ever feel guilty for wanting your child checked over especially at such a young age)

Sounds familiar. My son has been sick w fever and cold for the weeks and refused all foods and liquids! Was having a few sips of milk and would luckily wake in the night to drink water. But during the day not wanting to drink anything. He did take his calpol and would eat chocolate and biscuits. So it was frustrating why he wouldn't have juice or normal foods. But eventually as he got better he has now started to eat some normal foods. But not as he used to and he still whines for chocolate etc. Hopefully your little one will start eating soon. When my kids have fevers they usually loose appetite. But if ur in doubt, speak to you GP.

Thank you everyone! he luckily after 5 days starting eating again and is now back to his usual happy self. I think a change of doctor is in order.