QuestionEvery time I have a sick child, i wrestle with the question, does he need a dr? Could you tell me when a child is sick with sore throat, headache, low grade fever, and now dizzy and nauseous, how long should it take him to get better as a general rule? I always thought if he is not better by four days, he needs a dr. My son (13)has been sick with the above symptoms since Sunday and this is Friday. He just lays on the sofa and says he doesn't feel good. I took him to the dr. on Wed. and was told he would get better in 7-10 days (no infection found). Did she mean he would be sofa bound for 7-10 days or was she just thinking he had the common cold that needs to run its course? Anyway, should I take him back to the dr? Thanks for your help.
AnswerIf there is a high fever, bad sore throat...then getting checked is reasonable... most illnesses are viral, which means time heals.... I take a lot of stock in mom's assessment of being more sick than just a cold, but it is hard to tell....typically lasts 7 to 10 days, but is gradually improving so not in bed that long....
