Doesn’t matter if you’re a new or seasoned parent, you need to know when to call the doctor.

Fever

If your child is two months or younger with a rectal temperature (only accurate way to measure an infantís temp) of 100.4 F or higher, call your pediatrician immediately, or go to the Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) or nearest Emergency Room (ER).

A doctor needs to examine the baby to rule out serious infection or disease. Do not give fever reducing medication to an infant less than two months old without first seeing a provider.

Call the doctor if your child is three to six months with a fever of 101.5 F or greater or 103 F or higher for children older than six months.

The high temperature may indicate a significant infection.

The decision to call the pediatrician should depend on other symptoms: severe earache, bad cough, trouble breathing, unexplained rash, severe sore throat or repeated vomiting or diarrhea. If your child is very fussy or sleeping more than usual, call your doctor.

For infants, signs of dehydration, three wet diapers or less in a 24-hour period, sunken eyes or soft spot, dry mouth and no tears when crying, are valid reasons to call the pediatrician or go to the local UCC or ER.

If your child is over one year of age, is drinking and urinating well, and has playful moments, there usually is no need to make an urgent call to the doctor. However, if a high fever (greater than 103 F) persists for more than 24-48 hours, it is best to call, even if there are no other complaints.

Emergencies

A true emergency is when you believe a severe injury or illness is life-threatening or may cause permanent harm. In these cases, a child needs emergency medical treatment immediately.

Some emergencies come as a result of sudden injuries: motor vehicle-related accident or other sudden impact including bicycle-related injuries, falls, poisoning, burns, smoke inhalation, choking, nonfatal drowning, firearms or electric shock.

If your child is acting strangely, becoming more withdrawn or lethargic, has trouble breathing, has skin or lips that look blue or purple (or gray for darker-skinned children), exhibits a cut or burn that is large or deep, uncontrollable bleeding, rhythmical jerking and loss of consciousness (a seizure), any change in level of consciousness, confusion, a bad headache, vomiting several times after a head injury, severe persistent pain or decreasing responsiveness when you talk to your child ñ take your child to the nearest emergency room.

Poisoning

Call your pediatrician or the Poison†Help Line (1-800-222-1222)†immediately if your child has swallowed a suspected poison or another personís medication - even if your child has no signs or symptoms. Do not induce vomiting. Do not give your child syrup of ipecac or saltwater. Information for this article was adapted from the American Academy of Pediatricsí Web site: http://www.healthychildren.org{{PERIOD}}

As a final note, the Pediatrics Clinic at NHOH, (360) 257-9782, will be experiencing staffing shortages in the next few months due to providers on maternity leave and deployment. They are available to care for your children and will do everything possible to accommodate you.

Your patience is appreciated as wait times for appointments may be longer than normal until staffing is restored.