DS4 is so poorly

[PoorlyDS1]

I think it could be Covid. It started with DH then it hit DS and I last night. It was quite a sudden onset. I feel dreadful so I feel so sorry for DS who must feel the same.

He is running slightly hot, has been complaining of a sore throat and aches and hasn't eaten all day. He now has a cough which sounds a little bit like a barking cough. He has woken twice already and sounds like he is barking when he cries. When asleep he seems to be breathing fine though.

I've got him in my bed so I can keep an eye on him but I'm so worried he'll struggle to breathe or something. What should I watch out for?

He usually never gets more than a runny nose so I'm out of my depth!

If it's sudden onset it might be more likely to be flu. However the barking might be croup and he might need steroids to shift it. You can also try sitting in the bathroom with a hot shower running for steam.

Yes I did think a sudden onset is usually flu but we haven't really had much of a temperature. I've been shivering then hot and aching everywhere but am still only at 37 and my forehead isn't hot to the touch. Unless our thermometer is wrong!

Is croup a different virus altogether, can adults get it? Or is it just a different manifestation of a normal virus in kids? As it would seem all 3 of us have the same thing. I am terrified of it being croup and him struggling to breathe. Not sure I'll be getting much sleep!

Croup sounds worse than it is usually but ime they do need steroids to shift it. It's always worse at night too.

Dd always used to get it if she had a coke but nobody else did so not sure really how it manifests or why!

COLD not coke!

nhs advice re croup

There is very little flu circulating at the moment so far more likely to be covid than flu. Can you call 111 if you are worried?

Barking cough is croup. I've had far too much experience with my kids, they end up in a and e at least a couple of times a year with it. Old fashioned advice was steam the bathroom but I find sticking them in the car with windows open helps more.

If he starts drooling with it you need immediate medical attention.

It's usually worse at night, fine during the day and then it comes in.

Could be any virus.

Thank you, I've just managed an hour's sleep and DS hasn't woken again so hopefully we'll be OK. I hope he feels a bit better by the morning. I now have the most painful headache, this thing is the gift that keeps on giving!

@thaegumathteth the COKE comment made me laugh 😂