As a parent, your role in your child’s health is crucial. It’s natural to feel concerned when your child is unwell, even with minor illnesses or injuries. However, your ability to decide whether to contact your pediatrician or head to urgent care can be a powerful tool. Prioritizing your child’s health is essential, and knowing when to seek help can offer peace of mind.
How to know when to take your child to a pediatrician or seek urgent care?
See a pediatrician if these conditions arise:
The conditions listed below may indicate more serious illnesses:
- a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in infants less than 2 months old
- flu symptoms
- a rash accompanied by a fever
- an earache accompanied by a fever
- fever accompanied by repeated vomiting
- trouble swallowing or a severe sore throat
- sharp or ongoing pain in the stomach
- blood in the urine or feces
- vomiting or diarrhea that does not cease in a few hours
- discharge or drainage from the ear
- inability to sleep or drink
- limping or difficulty moving an arm or leg
If these occur, visit your pediatrician as soon as possible or consult at a video or phone appointment.
Before you visit your pediatrician, some preparations could make the consultation smoother:
Even in emergency cases, it’s worth making these simple preparations. Be prepared to write down any instructions from your doctor, and in case of an online consultation, ensure your child is nearby if you need to answer any questions about them.
Be ready to provide information about your child’s health, including:
- their medical conditions,
- medications,
- immunization records, and
- Current relevant symptoms, such as temperature.
Sometimes, seeking immediate care at an urgent care clinic or hospital is the safest choice. We advise seeking immediate medical care for the following conditions.
Seek urgent medical care if the following occur:
- serious cuts or burns
- sprains or broken bones
- animal bites
- life-threatening allergic reactions
- trouble breathing
Reflecting on these issues immediately can save time and avoid possible complications. This proactive approach can significantly impact your child’s health and well-being.
Prepare to give first aid in case of sudden, less complicated injuries or illnesses.
FirstMed offers monthly First Aid courses. Our practical course is not just a class, it’s a preparation that can make a difference. It teaches, or refreshes, your knowledge of basic first aid and is specifically designed to equip you with skills to provide first aid or treatment to your baby, bigger child or any family member, in case of an accident or sudden illness up until the arrival of qualified help.
Four hours that could save your child’s life
This focused course consists of a mix of both theory and hands-on practice, where you can learn critical life-saving skills like:
- how to recognize signs of respiratory and/or circulatory failure
- what to do with a choking child if the five back blows fail
- the sequence of Life Support
- and much more
Sign up for our next Focused Pediatric and Adult First Aid Course here.
In conclusion, being attentive to your child’s health and understanding when to seek medical assistance is vital for their well-being. Whether you choose to consult your pediatrician for less urgent matters or head to urgent care for emergencies, being informed and prepared can make all the difference. Additionally, acquiring first aid skills through focused training can empower you to act confidently in critical situations, ensuring your child’s safety and health. Take the proactive step to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to support your child’s health journey.
Published on: November 13, 2017
