When your child is sick, it’s comforting to know that help and advice from your pediatrician are just a phone call away. So, what happens when your child is very ill and is getting worse? Your pediatrician has a special option for you. It’s called a sick child visit.

A sick child visit can help your child feel better and recover more quickly. You need to schedule a sick child visit with the pediatrician if your child has a fever which:

• Has lasted longer than 2 days
• Is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for children under 2 months
• Is at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit in older children

You also need to schedule a sick child visit if your child has:

• An ear infection
• A bacterial or viral infection
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Headaches and sinus problems
• Allergies or asthma
• Abdominal pain
• Rashes and other skin irritations
• Fractured or broken bones
• Injuries from an accident or sport

When you bring your child in for a sick child visit, your pediatrician will:

• Record your child’s symptoms and health history
• Perform a complete physical examination
• Measure and record your child’s vital signs

Your pediatrician may also order laboratory testing and x-rays to help determine the cause or extent of an injury or illness.

Your pediatrician will also prescribe any necessary medications to make your child more comfortable and eliminate the illness. Medications may include:

• Antibiotics, to eliminate bacteria causing the infection
• Antivirals, to kill the virus causing illness
• Anti-inflammatory medication, to reduce swelling
• Pain medication, to make your child more comfortable
• Specialized medications to treat asthma, allergies, and other conditions

When you bring your child in for a sick child visit with the pediatrician, you can be assured of excellent, compassionate care. A sick child visit can help your child heal and recover more quickly, and be more comfortable.