Sick kid, now what? A parent's guide to choosing the right care

There's no worse feeling than looking into your child's eyes and knowing something is wrong. You want to do everything you can for them and yet you feel helpless, unsure where to start.

That feeling only intensifies when something goes wrong at the worst possible time. It's midnight and your child is burning up with a fever. It's after dinnertime and they've limped off the soccer field. The doctor's office is closed and you're left wondering, what now?

Do they need Tylenol? A lukewarm bath? Fluids and rest? Is it something that needs immediate attention or can it wait until morning?

You aren't alone in having these moments of uncertainty. Every parent has been there before. While no guide can replace a parent's intuition, knowing your options before you need them can make all the difference.

Start with your child's primary care physician

"As a pediatrician, the calls I appreciate most are the ones parents make when they're not sure if their child is experiencing a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately after hours, or if it can wait until the morning for an office visit," said Annie Mlnarik, MD, a pediatrician at Endeavor Health. "We like to be the first point of contact a parent can make to provide support not only to the child, but the entire family as well."

When in doubt, your child's pediatrician or primary care physician is always your first call.

Many pediatric offices have after-hours nurse lines that can help you decide on common issues like fever, vomiting, mild injuries, rashes and coughs. Endeavor Health offices offer same-day and even Saturday appointments, so you can be seen urgently by your own pediatrician. When you call, you can expect questions like:

• Is your child in pain?
• How long have they had symptoms?
• Do they have a temperature?
• Can they keep fluids down?
• Are they lethargic or still playful?
• Do you notice any difficulty breathing?

Having that information ready helps them point you in the right direction.

The primary care team at Endeavor Health is here for you and your family, and can help you navigate your child's health with confidence.

Same-day and next-day appointments are often available at your pediatrician's office, so you should be able to be seen urgently by the doctor who knows your child best. If your child's doctor is out of the office, then another pediatric care team member would be the next best option.

If your child needs care outside of office hours, you still have options.

When it can't wait for a doctor's visit

Your next choice is to either head to an immediate care center or emergency room at your local hospital. Both locations can treat sick and injured children, but they are designed for different levels of illness and injury and may have different wait times and cost.

When to head to immediate care

If your pediatrician's office is closed, head to immediate care for non-life-threatening concerns such as:

• Allergic reactions with symptoms of hives or itching
• Ear pain and ear infections
• Sore throat
• Colds, congestion and fevers
• Pink eye
• Broken bones
• Burns and/or rashes

Endeavor Health offers over 30 Immediate Care locations throughout Chicagoland, open seven days a week. Care is provided by board-certified physicians and advanced practice providers who can perform lab tests, imaging and vaccinations. Walk-ins are always welcome and you can even reserve your spot online before you leave your home.

When to go straight to the emergency room

If your child is experiencing a more serious condition, such as difficulty breathing, confusion or a head or neck injury, your closest emergency room should be your first stop. More serious conditions include:

• Trouble breathing, shortness of breath or wheezing
• Fever of 100.4° or higher in infants under 3 months of age or a fever lasting more than 2-3 days that does not respond to medication
• A child acting unusually lethargic, confused or unlike themselves
• Heavy bleeding
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Allergic reaction with symptoms of difficulty breathing, throat swelling or signs of anaphylaxis
• Any suspected poisoning or exposure to a harmful substance

Endeavor Health offers nine emergency care locations throughout Chicagoland to expertly address your medical emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you genuinely think your child may be in danger, call 911.

Trust your instinct

You know your child's personality and health history better than anyone. Whether the situation feels minor or serious, trust your gut. If you are unsure, contact your pediatrician's office for guidance.

Endeavor Health experts are here to support your family's health.