Should I wait a day?

Mine little ones are sick: stuffy/runny noses, slight fever in the 99's, and cannot sleep well. I do not want to jump the gun and take them if it is a cold. I am trying to be more relaxed (ha!) Would you wait a day or two and see how they are feeling or would you take right away? (I am one of those who jump the gun when they have the sniffles!) Thanks!

 

I would wait. I try to follow the rule to wait a week (unless they're obviously really sick) before taking them to the doctor -- usually whatever they have is better by then, or at least getting better. If it's getting a lot worse after 4-5 days, I might take them, especially if a weekend is coming up.

 

I would wait a day and see what the fever does...I am a jump the gun momma too but mine get nasty ear infections so I try to stay on top of it.

 

I would wait a day or two and just keep a close eye on them. If you spot any other symptoms or if they seem to be getting worse generally then I might take them.
In the meantime you could try raising their heads while they sleep if they don't already have pillows (you can do this by putting folded blankets under their sheets), and maybe give them a dose of paracetamol before bed. I have also found that some kind of decongestant drops can be helpful-I usually use Olbas oil-put a few drops in a container of hot (just boiled) water and put it in their room at night. The vapour will be carried around the room in the steam and it should help them sleep better.

 

I agree with everyone else, I would wait too. The only time I don't is if it is Friday and it's been a few days. Hope they feel better soon. :hug99:

 

Mine tend to get ear infections with colds so i just go in and have them checked. Just listen to your mummy gut instinct!

 

Only you really know how sick they are. So if you think you should go, then do it.

I tend to wait it out and try to avoid going, but if there is a stridor cough or something I go immediately. If they are not acting like themselves, I also go.

:hug99:

 

I'm a wait it out kind of person, unless they are having unusual symptoms. I hope they feel better!

 

I would also wait. I would only take them in if the fever is very high and uncontrollable using Tylenol or other meds, if it lasts more than a 3-4 days, if there is persistent vomiting, if I think there's an ear infection, and/or if I have reason to think they've been exposed to something like strep.

 

You Guys are the BEST! Thank you!! I am going to wait - they are fine, except for the sleeping bit...I will try the natural oils in the room (and, maybe for myself, too!) Thanks again, Everyone!

 

QUOTE(veggiehead @ Apr 14 2008, 08:20 PM) [snapback]721351[/snapback]
You Guys are the BEST! Thank you!! I am going to wait - they are fine, except for the sleeping bit...I will try the natural oils in the room (and, maybe for myself, too!) Thanks again, Everyone!


What and how do you use natural oils??

 

what natural oils do you use?

i would wait it out....i usually wait it out unless i suspect that it's an ear infection, if there is persistent vomiting, or if it has been a high fever (over 101) that can't be controlled by tylenol....

 

QUOTE(DATJMom @ Apr 14 2008, 11:13 PM) [snapback]721550[/snapback]
What and how do you use natural oils??

I use Olbas Oil which is a mixture of a few different essential oils (cajuput, clove, eucalyptus, juniper berry, wintergreen and mint). It is sold in America as well here is the American website. My children also have a similar product called Karvol which is a mix of things and includes menthol, cinnamon and pine oil. I don't know if you can get that one in the states-couldn't find a website-but you can probably get an equivalent (I prefer the olbas though, fwiw).
My favourite way to use it for children is to put a couple of drops into a container of very hot (just boiled) water and put it in their bedroom when they go to bed. The steam carries the vapour around the room and it helps them not to get so congested as they sleep. You can re-do it when you go to bed so that the effects last longer through the night. It's basically the baby/young child version of sitting and inhaling steam. The best place to have the container is on the floor near the head end of the crib, but obviously if your child(ren) are in beds then you need to have it out of reach somewhere until they are old enough to understand leaving it alone.
If they are very congested in the daytime as well you can put a few drops on a tissue, fold it up and tuck it inside their clothes (assuming they're wearing something fairly tight fitting and the tissue won't just fall out-tucked into the sleeve of a onesie usually works) or put it in a pocket if they have one high enough.

 

Thanks for the info!

Well, UPDATE: (if anyone wants to know) My DD has a 102 degree temp...we are going in this morning. Darn it! But, I am glad I waited - now, I know to go in. Thanks again.

 

QUOTE(veggiehead @ Apr 15 2008, 01:02 PM) [snapback]722248[/snapback]
Well, UPDATE: (if anyone wants to know) My DD has a 102 degree temp...we are going in this morning. Darn it! But, I am glad I waited - now, I know to go in. Thanks again.

That sucks. Hope it's nothing too bad and you can get her feeling better again soon.

 

My pedi's recommendation is to wait for 72 hours if there is a fever of 100.3 or higher and no other major symptoms. If it's a virus, the fever is usually gone in 72 hours (has ALWAYS been the case with my boys). If I suspect something like strep or ear infection, I take them in.

Hope she feels better soon!
mendy

 

QUOTE(veggiehead @ Apr 15 2008, 07:02 AM) [snapback]722248[/snapback]
Thanks for the info!

Well, UPDATE: (if anyone wants to know) My DD has a 102 degree temp...we are going in this morning. Darn it! But, I am glad I waited - now, I know to go in. Thanks again.


Is she feeling any better? What did the Dr say?

 

When my kids get temps, it's often very high, like 104, 105. Not kidding. Freaked me out the first time. Now 102 doesn't phase me at all. Motrin, fluids and rest.

btw for high fevers, luke warm baths, dressing lightly in cottons (avoid fleece) and motrin/tylenol all help high temps come down.

 

Thanks Twin Nanny for the natural oil info.

How is she feeling?