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DS sick for 2 months - what to do now?

3 replies

Frogg1226 · 01/03/2026 14:13

Hi all,

My almost 2 year old DS has been constantly sick since before Christmas. First stomach flu, Christmas week was a healthy one, then a case of hand, foot and mouth. Once better DS started nursery one day a week. Since then he's had viral infection after viral infection which is expected due to nursery. Since the new year begun however DS hasn't had a break from illnesses. I've taken DS to the doctors when suspected ear infection or when high fever has persisted and was told to wait it out.

DS woke up with suspected conjunctivitis on Tuesday with one eye gunked shut. Doctor confirmed and was given eye drops and was told its from the viral infection. After 3 days of drops, DS gunky eyes got so much worse and fever reached 40.5 in the evenings and would become very sleepy and lethargic. We were then told its not conjunctivitis by GP but a blocked nasal duct from the viral infection. Again, told to keep cleaning his eyes with cotton pads and cooled boiled water and giving calpol/ibuprofen for the fever.

DS then went one night with no fever and appeared himself in the evening and we thought FINALLY! Until last night DS woke up screaming, coughing to the point of gagging and his temperature was very low (33.8) underarm. DS was cold to touch and clammy, PJs were damp from sweat. We changed DS, attempted to warm him up however temp wouldn't go past 35.5. After an hour, DS temp started dropping again and we were unable to wake him from sleep. When picked up he was very floppy and unresponsive so called 111. They sent an ambulance and was taken to the hospital.

As children do, he perked up once at the hospital waiting for doctor. Were told his vitals and everything is fine, blood tests came back normal except for slightly low iron levels which is being looked into. Again, told this is kids being kids and to keep doing what we're doing.

We're so glad that he is okay and to be able to come home. We are aware that this is expected when starting nursery as they're germ factorys and its building DS immune system. However I feel what I'm doing at home isn't enough and the symptoms just arent improving. His cough has sounded wet and has persisted for nearly 2 months now. Been told its all in his throat but he's not bringing it up so it's essentially just stuck. We give vitamins, saline nasal spray and still wiping his eyes with cooled boiled water. Is there anything else we can try?

I'm sorry it's long, at a loss of what else to do to help DS. Thank you💐

OP posts:
Helplessandheartbroke · 01/03/2026 22:22

Not what you wanna hear but normal in my experience. I demanded blood tests for ds thinking he had some immune issues, GP refused and told me normal. They do grow out of it I promise but sympathies its awful for you and them

ScarlettSarah · 01/03/2026 23:47

Oh god, that sounds so stressful. Your poor DS, and poor you!

I've heard good things about elderberry syrup for the immune system, and vitamin D if he's not already taking it.

Frogg1226 · 02/03/2026 16:10

Thank you both so much for commenting.

Oh god it is hard isn't it. Especially when your mama instinct is triggered but I think you're right with this is the new normal now that DS is in nursery😥 we have decided to keep him off until he's 100% this time as he's clearly struggling to fight off what he's already got. I know he will bring something home his first day back no doubt🥲 but atleast he won't already be fighting an illness off like this time.

It was super stressful! Felt like I'd really let DS down for him to get to that point. He's on a multivitamin that I give every morning but I will definitely be finding some elderberry syrup! He has a pretty healthy diet for a toddler but looks like he's going to need a little extra boost when it comes to his immune system.

Thank you both again!💛

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