There may not be snow this Christmas, but there’s already a flurry of contagious diseases spreading through the DFW area. As cases of flu, RSV, viruses, strep and bronchiolitis surge, consider your child’s symptoms and match them below to know when and where you should seek treatment.
Ok to wait
Consider waiting until the next morning to see a doctor when your child:
- is urinating normally, even if he has a fever
- is playful, eating well and interactive
Call a doctor
You should call a doctor when your child:
- is lethargic
- has a fever for more than three days
- has increased vomiting
- experiences diarrhea for no apparent reason
Go to the ER
You should go to the Emergency Room when your child:
- has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- is unresponsive
- has dry lips, sunken eyes or decreased urine
- has excessive vomiting
Crucial care for infants 2 months and younger
Special care should be taken for babies 2 months and younger. Halim Hennes, M.D., director of Pediatric Emergency Services at Children’s, says, “If the baby is not eating, is listless, has any fever or difficulty breathing or has a color change, then we need to see them [in the Emergency Department].”
However, if you’re baby does not exhibit any of these symptoms, it may be better to visit your pediatrician or care clinic in order to avoid exposure to contagious diseases that are prevalent in the ER setting. Remember, infants 2 months and younger are at particular risk of catching illnesses from people who are contagious.
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