As a parent, when your little ones get sick, we know that you feel worried and uncomfortable as well. Getting into your local pediatric clinic for a sick care visit becomes your focus when you want to alleviate your child’s discomfort. But many Cumming parents wonder when they should schedule these important visits. You’ll be relieved to know that acting promptly is always best in these cases. Let’s look at further details for helping your kids through a bout of illness.
When Is It Appropriate to Schedule a Pediatric Sick Visit?
Whether it’s the sniffles or more intense discomfort like the flu, scheduling an appointment at your local pediatric clinic as soon as possible is important for your child’s overall wellbeing. This is one of the reasons it’s vital to have a pediatric primary care doctor working with your family. When sickness arises, you can schedule appointments with a provider that your child already feels comfortable visiting.
So when should you schedule a sick visit for your child? Below are suggestions for the best time to contact your child’s pediatric primary care doctor.
ASAP
When you know your child is under the weather, setting up a sick visit is important—especially if they’ve recently been in contact with another child, or someone who alerts you they have the flu, COVID-19, or another highly contagious illness.
Persistent or High Fever
When your child has a high fever (a temperature of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) for two days or more, it’s prudent to schedule a sick visit or get them to a pediatric clinic. When infants (babies through three months old) have any fever registering 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or more, they need to be seen by a pediatrician.
Gastric Distress
When a child has diarrhea or vomiting that continues for more than a day, getting them in to see the doctor is vital. Do what you can to keep your child hydrated—coconut water, electrolyte drinks (not energy drinks) and fruit can help.
Pains and Irritations
If your child has a headache, ear pain, or a sore throat for three or more days, especially when accompanied by symptoms like fever or fatigue, scheduling a visit can get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Infections such as strep or those affecting the ear or sinuses may start as a dull pain, ache, or even a feeling like an itch.
If you see a rash or skin irritation that seems to be spreading and does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, you’ll want to schedule an appointment.
Respiratory Issues
For persistent coughs and congestion that do not clear up within a week, it’s good to see the pediatrician. If your child has asthma or other chronic breathing concerns and the illness makes breathing difficult, seek urgent or emergency care as soon as possible.
When your child is ill, scheduling a sick visit with their pediatric primary care provider hastens their healing process. We know that the physical, mental and social wellness of your child is a top priority for you. Having a health partner to guide you will help your child (and yourself) feel better quickly.
Schedule a Pediatric Sick Visit or Well-Child Exam Now
Many families in Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County trust the pediatric medical providers and staff at Vickery Pediatrics for all things healthcare for patients 18 and under. Whether you need to schedule an annual well child checkup or diagnose and treat an illness, we’re here to provide top-rated care with heart. Call us at (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment online.
