Sick Kids
Essential guidance for managing common childhood illnesses and knowing when to seek help
Caring for Your Sick Child
Children get sick - it's a normal part of growing up and building immunity. While most childhood illnesses are mild and resolve on their own, knowing how to recognize symptoms, provide comfort, and determine when professional medical care is needed can help you feel more confident caring for your sick child.
Explore our comprehensive guides below to learn about common symptoms, home care strategies, and when it's time to call the doctor.
Illness Management Topics (14)
Constipation
→Coughing
→Febrile Seizures
→How to Handle a Cough
→How to Handle an Earache
→How to Handle Heat Illness
→How to Handle Pain While Peeing
→How to Take Your Child's Pulse
→Is It a Cold, the Flu, an RSV Infection, or COVID-19?
→Is My Child Too Sick to Go to School?
→Keeping Diabetes Under Control When Your Child is Sick
→Taking Your Child's Temperature
→What to Do About Constipation
→What to Do About Vomiting
→🦠Common Childhood Illnesses
🤧Colds & Respiratory Infections
Most common illness in children. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, congestion. Usually viral and resolve in 7-10 days with rest and fluids.
🌡️Fevers
Body's natural response to infection. Most fevers are harmless. Treat discomfort, ensure hydration, and monitor for concerning symptoms.
🤢Stomach Bugs
Vomiting and diarrhea are common. Focus on preventing dehydration with small, frequent sips of fluids. Most resolve within 24-48 hours.
👂Ear Infections
Common in young children. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, irritability. May require antibiotics if bacterial. See doctor if severe or persistent.
💡Home Care Essentials
💧Hydration is Key
Encourage fluids to prevent dehydration. Offer water, diluted juice, popsicles, or electrolyte solutions. Watch for signs of dehydration.
😴Rest & Comfort
Let your child rest as much as needed. Create a comfortable, quiet environment. Sleep helps the body heal and fight infection.
🌡️Monitor Symptoms
Keep track of temperature, symptoms, and how long they last. Note any changes or worsening conditions. This information helps doctors.
💊Medication Safety
Use age-appropriate medications as directed. Never give aspirin to children. Check with doctor before giving over-the-counter medicines to young children.
📞When to Call the Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if your child:
- Has a fever over 104°F (40°C)
- Is under 3 months with fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Has persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Shows signs of dehydration
- Has severe or persistent pain
- Has difficulty breathing
- Is extremely irritable or lethargic
- Has symptoms lasting more than a week
- Has a rash with fever
- Shows unusual behavior or confusion
🚨Call 911 Immediately If
- Your child has difficulty breathing or turns blue
- Your child has a seizure
- Your child is unresponsive or extremely difficult to wake
- Your child has severe allergic reaction symptoms
- Your child has severe head injury
- Your child has uncontrolled bleeding
- You believe your child's life is in danger
🏫When to Keep Your Child Home from School
Fever
Keep home if fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. Child should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Keep home for at least 24 hours after symptoms stop. Risk of spreading illness to others is high during this time.
Contagious Conditions
Pink eye, strep throat, lice, rashes - follow doctor's guidance on when child can return to school safely.
Feeling Too Sick
If child is too uncomfortable to participate in activities or needs constant attention, keep them home to rest.
More Health Resources
⚠️Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your child's pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child's illness. Trust your instincts - if you're worried, call your doctor. In case of emergency, call 911 immediately.