When Does My Child Need a Same-Day Sick Visit?

You hear a cough and sneeze from down the hall — it's going to be one of those days. Having a sick kid is never easy, and not knowing whether they need a doctor or when they just need some rest adds to the chaos. 

In many cases, hydration, good food, and another few hours of sleep do the trick. But other times, you and your sick child need some help from the professionals.

Drs. Tina Floy and Trinidad Rojas at Wellness Pediatrics in Fairfax, Virginia, give you some pointers on making the call when you have a sick kid. 

Knowing when to go

Many new and first-time parents are on high alert when their child is sick, and a sniffle, a cough, or an upset tummy can send the whole house into an uproar. 

There's never a wrong time to bring your child to us, and there's no such thing as being too careful where your child's wellness is concerned. 

Parents have a finely tuned intuition and know their children well, so we recommend listening to your gut and bringing your child in whenever you feel they need more care than what you can give them at home. 

That said, many illnesses do resolve on their own, so we want to draw a line between what you can handle at home and what needs prompt medical evaluation and treatment. 

Don't hesitate to bring your child in for a same-day sick visit if they complain of:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Rash
• Allergic reaction
• An upset stomach that causes nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Any of these symptoms that last more than a few days or worsen require treatment and won't resolve quickly on their own. 

If you're still unsure, give our friendly staff a call and describe your child's symptoms. We can give you more guidance and help you decide what care your child needs. 

Please note that your child may need urgent or emergency care if they have a high fever (100.4 or higher for newborns and 102 or higher for children aged 3 months and older), trouble breathing, severe vomiting and/or diarrhea, and/or infrequent urination. 

What happens at a same-day sick visit

We offer same-day sick visits because we know how difficult it can be to handle an illness alone. Bringing your child in for a sick visit gives you both a chance to connect with our team of pediatric experts and get specialized care. 

When your child is one of our patients, we know the finer points of their health history and tailor their treatments based on their specific needs. 

While well-child exams focus on general health and wellness, your child's sick visits focus on the matter at hand. We quickly and thoroughly evaluate their symptoms and provide a path back to health. 

You can continue to support their recovery at home with rest, fluids, and nutritious food, and we encourage you to call us with your questions or schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor their progress. 

It's upsetting to have a sick child, no matter how many years of parenthood you have under your belt, but you never have to handle it alone. Same-day sick visits are almost always available, so call our office at 571-350-0953 to check today's schedule. 

Online booking and telehealth are also options after hours or for less urgent care needs.