Sick child care is a fundamental aspect of pediatrics. These appointments are designed to promptly address acute illnesses and health concerns in children. Pediatricians are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of pediatric conditions, from common colds and flu to more serious infections or conditions.

Childhood illnesses are quite common as children begin growing and building up their immune systems. Although it is no fun to have a sick little one, Commonwealth Pediatrics is pleased to provide same-day sick care appointments to diagnose and treat illnesses as necessary.

Viruses are among the most common childhood illnesses and usually only require a tincture of time to overcome. Commonwealth Pediatrics can give advice on how to treat symptoms of viral infections at home to help keep your child comfortable.

Common Childhood Illnesses

Common childhood illnesses are a natural part of growing up, and most children will experience them at some point. As your child attends daycare or is old enough for school, you will recognize an increase in the frequency of illness. This is normal as children are often the best spreaders of viruses, starting with the common cold. These illnesses can range from mild to severe, and while they might be concerning for parents, they are generally a normal part of a child’s development. Common childhood illnesses include:

  • Common cold, also known as an upper respiratory infection

  • Flu

  • Bronchitis

  • Ear infections

  • Strep throat

  • Croup

  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)

  • Sinusitis

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Most of these conditions are caused by viruses (with the exception of strep throat caused by a bacteria) and are contagious, spreading easily through schools, daycares, and playgroups. While many childhood illnesses can be managed with home care and rest, some may require medical attention and treatment. The good news is that most children recover relatively quickly from these illnesses with proper care and attention from parents and healthcare professionals. Through vaccination, good hygiene practices, and a healthy lifestyle, parents can play a vital role in minimizing the impact of common childhood illnesses on their children’s health and well-being.

Same-Day Sick Child Care

Commonwealth Pediatrics is pleased to offer same-day sick child care appointments for children experiencing illness. Most childhood illnesses are viral. However, if your little one is sick and not improving, it may be time to check in with your pediatrician. Your pediatrician will be able to diagnose and treat your child’s illness and get them back on the path to feeling better. When you come in for a sick child care appointment at one of our offices, you can expect the following:

  • Temperature check

  • Weight check

  • Discussion of symptoms

  • Depending on symptoms, possibly a flu test or a strep test

The pediatrician will then evaluate your child. He or she will listen to their lungs, check ears, throat, nose and lymph nodes and possibly palpate the abdomen. Once your pediatrician has completed the examination, he or she will discuss the most likely cause of the illness and prescribe any necessary medications. Commonwealth Pediatrics will answer any of your questions and guide you on the best ways to care for your sick child and offer support and the next steps if symptoms do not improve.

When Should I Take My Child In For A Sick Child
Care Visit?

doctor looking in child's throat

When our little ones are unwell, it’s natural to feel worried and overwhelmed. During these moments, pediatricians become our allies in safeguarding our children’s health. Knowing when to schedule a sick child care visit is crucial for prompt and effective care. Some common signs that your child might need to see a pediatrician include:

While it is concerning when your child has a fever, it is the body’s natural defense mechanism to fight viruses and bacteria. Fevers don’t necessarily mean your child needs to see the doctor. If your child feels very unwell, is lethargic or you are unable to lower the fever at home with over-the-counter medication, you may want to contact your pediatrician.

Vomiting and diarrhea are usually caused by a gastrointestinal virus or the stomach flu. They typically improve in 24-72 hours however, these symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children.

If your child has difficulty breathing, persistent cough or wheezing you should call the pediatrician.

As a parent, you know It is no fun for little ones when they have ear pain. Frequent tugging or crying due to ear pain could indicate an ear infection. Your pediatrician can assess the cause of ear pain and prescribe any necessary medications.

Rashes accompanied by fever or other symptoms should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

Unusual behavior and excessive tiredness could signal an underlying health issue and is worthy of being checked by your child’s pediatrician.

Tips To Help Prevent Illness

While it is virtually impossible to prevent childhood illnesses, there are some steps parents can take to reduce the frequency of illnesses and keep children as healthy as possible going into the cold and flu season. Here are some essential tips for preventing childhood illnesses:

Make sure your child receives all the recommended vaccinations according to the schedule provided by healthcare professionals. Vaccinations protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Seasonal immunizations, like the flu vaccine, will help protect your child from serious complications related to the flu.

Teach your child the importance of proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Encourage them to wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating and after coughing or sneezing.

It is important to keep children home when they have a fever to help prevent the spread of illness. Your child should be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school or daycare.

Provide a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A nutritious diet helps support a strong immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off infections.

Ensure that your child gets enough sleep based on their age. Rest is essential for the body to recover and maintain its defense against illnesses

Encourage regular physical activity to strengthen your child’s overall health and immunity. Exercise helps boost circulation and immune function.

If possible, breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months. Breast milk contains essential antibodies that help protect infants from infections.

Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.

Schedule routine well-child check-ups with your pediatrician. Regular visits allow the doctor to monitor your child’s growth, development, and overall health.

Keep yourself informed about common childhood illnesses and stay updated on any outbreaks or health advisories in your area.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and toys to reduce the spread of germs.

Keep your home and car smoke-free. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of respiratory infections in children.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep their body hydrated and healthy.

Request A Sick Child Care Appointment Today

Commonwealth Pediatrics of Richmond and Midlothian, VA offers same-day sick appointments for children experiencing illnesses. Remember that while these preventive measures can help reduce the risk of childhood illnesses, children will still get sick from time to time. It’s essential to seek medical attention when needed and follow the advice of your pediatrician for the best care and recovery. To request a sick child care visit, call our Old Jahnke Road office at (804) 320-1353, our Harbour Pointe office at (804) 739-8166 or our Westchester Commons office at (804) 549-5405.

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Ready For Quality Pediatric Care?

High-quality pediatric services are just a click away! The Commonwealth Pediatrics team is dedicated to providing families with compassionate, patient-focused care you can trust. We put our patients first, and that starts before you ever set foot in our office. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us, fill out our online appointment request form.