Non drinking child, how long until A&E?

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Our 7yo (autistic, lots of delays including speech and understanding) has a history of refusing to drink when unwell. He's got a viral infection (coughing, fever, croaky throat) and has refused to drink anything at all today.

I think I should bundle him in the car and get him to A&E for fluids now but DH says it'll stress him too much.

Fwiw we have tried the syringes, ice lollies, jellies, juice - basically all the things you're going to suggest. All of it has been firmly refused, and we can't force him. He's too strong for us.

I think leaving him overnight is dangerous. DH thinks it'll do more long term damage to take him than good.

Technically you can go 3 days without water.

Would you let a child go three days?

Would he eat a yogurt or something like watermelon?

Is he eating?

Is he urinating? Do the inside of his cheeks feel damp? (If safe to check without risking loss of a finger!)

Has he been eating?

I don't think I'd really have thought about it yet. What about a vomiting bug, you don't take them to a&e on the day it starts...?

After both my DC had their tonsils out they refused drinks for a day or so. How about a milkshake?

Also could you see if you can get some difflam spray or similar into him and then try fluids about 20 minutes later to see if that helps reduce the pain?

When was the last time he ate or drank anything, and are you able to monitor his urine if so what is it like?

This is more about his clinical status than what either of you 'think'.

I said 24 hours since he drank, or ate. No wee since first thing.

He won't let anything pass his lips. Fluid, solid, semi-solid.

If he hasn’t urinated for 12 hours then I would be taking him to an and e now.

Thank you. This is my thought. I'll pack a bag quickly and update.

I'd call 111 for ooh doctrines that case rather than a&e. Is image that would be highly stressful. The dr may be able to get you a slot on a children's ward.

Ice pops?
I would take to A&E if not urinating to be honest

Sensible advice

Yes I would take him. Dehydration can easily set in. I'm also a mum of an autistic child and it can be so difficult when they are ill.

Good luck! I have been there in the past so know how worrying it can be

I went to out of hours with a vomiting child a few months ago. I was told as long as he did a wee every 16 hours he wasn't dehydrated. If you are at 12 hours and no sign of change then I think he needs seeing. I don't think you can wait until the morning. You are doing the right thing taking him in

Sorry for late update but he's had IV fluids and is asleep now. If he drinks we can go home. Bit of a waiting game now.

Hope you are getting on ok - it is very tough with a child who refuses. Look after yourself too -