Common Childhood Illnesses and When to See Your NP

As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your child isn’t feeling well. From sniffles and fevers to tummy aches and rashes, kids experience a variet

y of common illnesses—most of which are mild and resolve on their own. But how do you know when to wait it out and when to seek medical attention?

At Henderson Family Care, we want to help parents feel confident in managing their child’s health. Here’s a guide to common childhood illnesses and when you should see a healthcare provider.

1. Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections

Symptoms:

✔ Runny or stuffy nose

✔ Sneezing

✔ Mild cough

✔ Low-grade fever

✔ Sore throat

What to Do:

Colds are caused by viruses and don’t require antibiotics. Rest, fluids, a humidifier, and saline nasal drops can help.

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 If symptoms last more than 10 days

🔴 If your child has difficulty breathing (rapid breathing, wheezing, or pulling in at the ribs)

🔴 If fever is above 100.4°F (for babies under 3 months) or lasts more than 3 days in older children

2. Ear Infections

Symptoms:

✔ Ear pain (tugging at the ear in younger children)

✔ Trouble sleeping

✔ Fussiness or irritability

✔ Decreased appetite

✔ Fever

What to Do:

Many ear infections clear up on their own. Pain can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if age-appropriate).

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 If pain is severe or persistent for more than 48 hours

🔴 If there is ear drainage (pus or blood)

🔴 If your child has recurrent ear infections (3+ in 6 months or 4+ in a year)

3. Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)

Symptoms:

✔ Vomiting

✔ Diarrhea

✔ Stomach cramps

✔ Low-grade fever

What to Do:

Keep your child hydrated with small sips of water, electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte), or broth. Avoid sugary drinks like juice and soda.

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 If vomiting lasts more than 24 hours

🔴 If diarrhea lasts more than a week

🔴 If there are signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, dry mouth, or fewer than 3 wet diapers in 24 hours)

🔴 If there is bloody diarrhea or vomit

4. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Symptoms:

✔ Fever

✔ Painful mouth sores

✔ Rash on hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks

✔ Fussiness and loss of appetite

What to Do:

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a viral illness that usually resolves on its own within a week. Offer cool liquids, soft foods, and pain relief as needed.

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 If your child refuses to drink and shows signs of dehydration

🔴 If the fever lasts more than 3 days

🔴 If symptoms are severe or worsening

5. Strep Throat

Symptoms:

✔ Sore throat (often sudden onset)

✔ Fever

✔ Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes

✔ White patches on the throat

✔ Headache or stomach pain

What to Do:

Unlike most sore throats, strep throat is bacterial and requires antibiotics. A rapid strep test at a healthcare provider's office can confirm the diagnosis.

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 If your child has persistent sore throat with fever

🔴 If they develop a rash ("scarlet fever")

🔴 If they have difficulty swallowing or breathing

6. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Symptoms:

✔ Cold-like symptoms (runny nose, cough, mild fever)

✔ Wheezing

✔ Trouble breathing in infants

What to Do:

Most RSV cases are mild and managed with rest, fluids, and humidified air. However, in babies (especially under 6 months), RSV can lead to breathing problems.

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 If your baby has rapid breathing, nasal flaring, or retractions (pulling in at ribs when breathing)

🔴 If they appear lethargic or have trouble eating/drinking

🔴 If their lips or fingernails turn blue (sign of oxygen trouble)

7. Skin Rashes (Including Eczema and Allergic Reactions)

Symptoms:

✔ Red, itchy patches (eczema)

✔ Raised, red welts (hives)

✔ Blistering or peeling skin

What to Do:

Most rashes are not serious and can be managed with moisturizers, antihistamines, and avoiding triggers.

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 If the rash spreads rapidly or covers a large area

🔴 If there are signs of infection (warmth, pus, swelling)

🔴 If the rash is accompanied by fever

🔴 If your child has facial swelling or trouble breathing (possible allergic reaction—seek emergency care!)

8. Fever (General Guidelines)

What’s Normal?

✔ A fever is the body’s natural way of fighting infection.

✔ In most cases, a fever under 102°F is not dangerous.

When to See a Healthcare Provider:

🔴 Under 3 months old – Any fever over 100.4°F

🔴 3-6 months old – Fever above 101°F

🔴 Over 6 months old – Fever above 104°F or lasting more than 3 days

🔴 If your child has seizures, difficulty breathing, or is unresponsive

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Parental Instincts

While most childhood illnesses are mild, you know your child best. If something doesn’t seem right—whether it’s unusual behavior, persistent symptoms, or a gut feeling that something is wrong—don’t hesitate to reach out.

At Henderson Family Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s a quick question, a same-day visit, or guidance over the phone, we’re always just a call away.

📞 Need to schedule an appointment? Contact us today!