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Original poster

Baby with covid barking cough

31 replies

WolfMother326 · 28/03/2022 22:10

My 7.5 month old baby has covid. I tested positive. He's been unwell since Saturday night, had a high fever. Been giving Calpol. Now he has a worrying barking cough/sound while crying. Wont settle to sleep. Tried 111 for hours no one is answering. Go to a and e?

OP posts:
Piper22 · 28/03/2022 22:14

Oh come on OP, you don’t just turn up at A&E when you’ve got Covid! Have you been living under a rock for the last two years? Regardless, a cough is very unlikely to be an emergency. Just try 111 again if you’re concerned.

GraciousPiglet · 28/03/2022 22:17

Is it possible he has croup? Try taking him next to a window for some fresh air.

Totally understand you are worried but you probably don't need a&e.

And to the above poster, you are wrong, you absolutely can get urgent medical care if you have covid.... You don't just stay at home if you need to see a doctor because you have covid. ESPECIALLY not with a small baby. Bad advice.

However I do agree that you probably don't need a&e at the moment.

My 3yo had covid and we had three days of illness and a temp. He was ok some of the times.but lethargic and hot for at least half of it. His sleep was very disturbed.

Plenty of fluids for him, remember he can have ibuprofen too if you think he is in pain. Try propping him up, will he sleep better on you?

GregBrawlsInDogJail · 28/03/2022 22:18

It's croup. Try 111 again if your baby has stridor (noisy breathing) when not crying.

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Piper22 · 28/03/2022 22:23

@GraciousPiglet does this sound like a situation that needs urgent medical care to you? 111 not answering doesn’t equate to rocking up at A&E with Covid. Please don’t contribute to the misuse of A&E services and potential exacerbation in risk to both A&E staff and patients, it’s really irresponsible.

OP there’s some good advice on the NHS page re croup while you await 111.

Sunshinegirl82 · 28/03/2022 22:24

It sounds like croup.

It is completely fine to attend a&e whilst testing positive for covid if you need medical treatment. I would keep trying 111 but if you see any red flags (baby sucking in under ribs, really struggling to breathe etc then don't feel you can't seek further help).

Croup can be quite nasty, you might find cool air helps, perhaps hold him near a window or have a quick stroll in the garden?

Hugasauras · 28/03/2022 22:25

Croup cough is very distinctive so if it's an unusual sound you haven't heard before, it's likely that. DD had it a few months ago as it did the rounds at nursery - it sounds very scary but it did pass quickly. If he's not struggling to breathe and is otherwise okay, I'd keep trying 111. Has no one answered at all or are you waiting for a call back?

Loubylooooo · 28/03/2022 22:28

This is bad advice. If you need emergency treatment t you absolutely can ‘rock up with Covid.’ Hundreds of people have died by not doing so.

Not saying this is an emergency. But if you feel it is. Go

Hairyfairy01 · 28/03/2022 22:30

OP you are the one with your baby, you can see / hear how he is. Trust your instincts not a load of strangers on the internet.
And of course you can go to A&E with Covid!!

Wagsandclaws · 28/03/2022 22:42

My son used to get croup quite badly. I'd have to call an ambulance as he was making the barky sound when breathing in and he had stridor ( watch his chest for 'pulling in'). His sats were too low as well although I'd imagine it's quite hard to tell with a baby??

He needed dexamethasone ( sp ) which they tend to keep in an ambulance. It's steroids and he was breathing normally within 20 mins after he had it.

If you are worried about his breathing don't wait for 111 call an ambulance. It's really serious.

My son has asthma and gets croup ( although he is growing out of it now ) your baby is very young still so watch the breathing, if it looks like he is struggling don't hesitate to go to a and e or call an ambulance, they carry the stuff that is needed to open his airway in the form of the above steroid I've mentioned.

Hopefully this won't be needed - I really hope he is feeling better soon.

Original poster
WolfMother326 · 28/03/2022 22:43

Thanks for the rude and unhelpful reply. Got through to 111, they advised we go to a & e

OP posts:
Wagsandclaws · 28/03/2022 22:44

Oh and in the end he went to a respiratory clinic and the consultant gave us one dose of DEX to keep at home for him. If your baby needs it don't wait, he is very young.

Wagsandclaws · 28/03/2022 22:45

Brilliant advice from 111 OP -
Good luck and hope he is better soon Thanks

GalactatingGoddess · 28/03/2022 22:48

I went to A and E when both myself and 4m DD had covid after 111 advice. The whole point is to be seen out of hours for urgent and serious issues.

Hope your DC is feeling better soon OP and that you aren't waiting ages. X

Original poster
WolfMother326 · 28/03/2022 22:48

Thank you for the information from others, much appreciated

OP posts:
Sunshinegirl82 · 28/03/2022 23:01

I'm glad you were able to get some advice OP, I hope baby bounces back quickly, take care.

NippyWoowoo · 28/03/2022 23:03

Glad you're going, sick of the competition on Mumsnet to never use A&E unless you are already dead 🙄

PinkButtercups · 28/03/2022 23:12

@Piper22

Oh come on OP, you don’t just turn up at A&E when you’ve got Covid! Have you been living under a rock for the last two years? Regardless, a cough is very unlikely to be an emergency. Just try 111 again if you’re concerned.
Erm actually Piper. You do.

Regardless of covid or not if you need to go to A&E you do.

I took my DS when I had covid and they actually said it doesn't matter as they treat people no different. They won't refuse you help!

Get out from your rock.

PinkButtercups · 28/03/2022 23:12

Go to A&E OP

PinkButtercups · 28/03/2022 23:13

When he had covid* I was also positive at the time just didn't know.

Hairyfairy01 · 28/03/2022 23:14

I hope he, and you, are ok.

MiniMaxi · 28/03/2022 23:16

Hope your baby is ok OP. Agree with others sounds like croup and important to get seen.

toomuchlaundry · 28/03/2022 23:18

I thought many hospitals have a red and green area, so if you have COVID you go to the red area.

Who knows what happens at the end of the week when we no longer test

Hope your little one feels better soon @WolfMother326

Jamboree01 · 28/03/2022 23:21

Croup can be very very serious. My daughter has been admitted twice because of it. Hope you’re both ok Op.

Loubylooooo · 28/03/2022 23:27

@Piper22 I really hope you consider how you reply to people on forums. Imagine if a baby died (not suggesting in this case) because you shamed a parent into not attending A&E. You should be ashamed, just because forums are anonymous doesn’t give you the right to be inaccurate, harmful and frankly downright mean.

Abouttimemum · 28/03/2022 23:45

I hope all is ok OP, my DS gets croup regularly, he had it 6 times this winter. It sounds like that is what it will be with the distinctive cough.
Steroids will sort it out.

Also, I always call 111 and they always send us to a&e, this included when he had covid as well at the same time, and then again when I had covid and (obviously!) had to go with him.