Should my child see the doctor?

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During influenza season, parents often wonder whether to bring their children in to be seen.

 

The following are general guidelines as to who should be seen and those who might be able to be managed at home. 

 

Does your child have:

· Fever greater than 100.4 AND congestion,

· Raspy cough (not just a throat clearing cough)

· Body aches

 

They should be seen if:

· They are less than 5 years old

· Have a chronic condition*

· They live with someone less than 5 years old

· They live with someone with a chronic condition*

· Fever has been present for more than 3 days

· Have significant irritability

· Dehydrated

· Trouble Breathing

 

If your child does not have any of the above you might consider home care. 

*  Chronic Conditions including, but not limited to:

· Significant neurodevelopmental problems (such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, etc.)

· Asthma

· Diabetes mellitus

· Metabolic problems

· Immune suppression

· Aspirin therapy

· Under immunized

 

Please visit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for further information.