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🤒 The one thing I wish I knew before rushing to the ER...
Do you know what measles looks like?
Parent Porch
May 15, 2024
🌞 Hey, Parent!
It was 2 AM on a Tuesday when I found myself pacing the hallway, cradling my feverish 2-year-old as he whimpered into my shoulder. His tiny body was radiating heat, and the thermometer confirmed my fears: 103.5°F. 😰 Scenarios raced through my mind - meningitis, sepsis, some rare and terrifying virus. Against my better judgment, I bundled him up and sped to the ER, only to wait for hours in a germ-filled waiting room for a doctor to tell me it was just a run-of-the-mill virus. 😩
I felt foolish, exhausted, and hundreds of dollars poorer - all for something I probably could've managed at home with a little guidance.
Have you been there? As parents, I think we've all been there - that paralyzing uncertainty in the face of a sick child, unsure whether to wait it out or seek immediate care.
If only I'd had Dr. Monica Wonnacott's wisdom in my inbox back then! That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Pediatric Answers, our sponsor for this e-mail and your new secret weapon for navigating childhood illnesses with confidence. Dr. Monica is not only a board-certified pediatrician, but also a mom of four who's seen it all. Her weekly newsletter dishes out practical advice, bust myths, and helps you know when to worry (and when not to).
Keep reading!
For Your Parent Pit Stop Today:
PARENTS: 5 Signs Your Child's Fever Requires Medical Attention
BREAKING NEWS: Measles Rash Images To Help Identify Symptoms as Virus Spreads in US
HOW?: Kids and 'bad' news: How can parents safely introduce their children to news and current affairs?
Parent Picks: 1 Quick Tip, 1 Activity and 2 Useful Product
PARENTING
FEVERISH CHILD? 5 SIGNS YOUR CHILD NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION
Childhood fevers are common and are generally not a cause for concern. For this reason, you do not always need to seek out medical attention for your child's fever. A fever is simply a sign that your child's body is fighting off an infection or illness as it should. Most fevers can be managed well with over-the-counter medications.
Some fevers, however, can alert you to the fact that your child needs to see a doctor. If your child has a fever or one of the following symptoms, then you should call your pediatrician.
HOW?
Kids and 'bad' news: How can parents safely introduce their children to news and current affairs?
Parent Picks
Quick Tip
When your child has a fever, it's essential to monitor their temperature and watch for signs of a more serious illness. Seek immediate medical attention if:
Your baby is under 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Your child is 3-6 months and has a temperature up to 102°F (38.9°C) and seems unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable
Your child is over 6 months and has a temperature higher than 102°F (38.9°C) lasting more than 2 days
Additionally, call your pediatrician if your child has a fever along with symptoms like:
Severe headache
Sore throat or ear pain
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Stiff neck
Strange rash
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Seizures
Trust your instincts – if something doesn't seem right, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician for guidance.
Activity: DIY Stethoscope for Doctor Role Play
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