Tips for managing sick children at home

Always contact the emergency services if in doubt about the urgency

• Can phone GP for advice
• Can use internet for background information
• Nothing can replace a face to face interaction with your doctor

Remember the 3 basic management priorities for sick children:

1 – fluids

Children need fluid to avoid dehydration. Any condition which promotes fluid loss (eg not eating; vomiting; diarrhoea; hot weather; fever; etc) should be countered with increased balanced fluid (water; rehydration fluids) intake.

Consult a healthcare professional immediately if child too ill to take fluids.

2 – calories

Children need a source of energy – food, or energy containing drinks. Ensure that they are able to retain these.

3 – temperature control

Too hot or too cold – these are not good.

Control fevers with paracetamol type medications (oral or rectal route). If fevers do not respond partly to paracetamol, or child has history of febrile convulsions – consult healthcare professional early.

Dress / control room temperature appropriately.

Generally – if you can manage the 3 areas above – minor childhood ailments can be looked after at home for a few days. If no resolution to symptoms within 2 days; or if any concern about ability to retain fluids / take in calories / or control temperature – consult your healthcare professional.

Always have at home (besides the emergency kit):

• Non-expired anti-pyretic (medicine for fever control) like paracetamol
• Keep paracetamol suppositories for child who cannot take orally
• Check dose with doctor or pharmacist – use enough.
• Anti-histamines for minor allergies
• Your family choice of immune supplements / vitamin and mineral support
• Some rehydration solution
• Saline nasal spray – to facilitate early clearing of nasal / sinus infections
• Decongestant recommended by doctor or pharmacist

No old antibiotics.

Only use steroid-containing medications after consulting your doctor.