Child changes after illness.

[jwebb93]

My son caught an illness 8 days ago which started with a fever. The fever has since gone but he is still not himself.
He was withholding urine for 20+ hours until he wet himself but he is now refusing to eat or drink anything. He was taken to a and e but they sent us home because he was upset about being there and have said to come back if he still wont eat or drink.

All he wants to do is be in his own bed and sleep, but just says no to any food or drink I offer him. Really do not know what to do?

How long has he not had a drink for? Food is not too much of a worry they can go weeks without food, but getting liquid on board is very important.

I think the concern here would be how long since he has had a wee? If there a special drink that you wouldn’t normally give him that you could bribe him with (fruit shoot etc).

111 would be a good call instead of going straight to A&E as they could advise on best next steps.

How long has he not had a drink.

How old is he.

I don't follow why he was sent home at being upset. No child likes to be in hospital.

If he is not drinking at all he needs to be taken back now. Likely a drip. Forget food as PP have said. He needs fluids.

Ring 111. He may he dehydrated and needs IV fluids.

Also be aware of PANDAS, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23553-pandas-syndrome

Which is a really rare set of symptoms following a step illness. It's very unlikely to be this, but sometimes it can cause sudden and severe changes to a child's behaviour and mental state.

It's more likely though he still needs some fluid and is fighting off a nasty bug.

As mentioned above by previous poster would look out for PANS PANDAS in any child with changes after illness
https://panspandasuk.org/support-resources/for-families/
Can be triggered by COVID, flu, chickenpox (PANDAS specifically strep)