Coping With an Acute Illness in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Finding out that your child has a sudden (acute) illness can be very hard. Getting sick can be scary. It also can be very expensive and can disrupt your child's life.

The most important thing is to deal with the illness and get healthy again. If school or other activities have to be put on hold while your child gets treatment, that's okay.

Some acute illnesses can become chronic, which means that they last for a long time. Although this may not happen with your child's illness, it's best to be prepared for this and to know how to handle it. Talk to your doctor to find out as much as you can about the illness and how best to treat it.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Treating the illness

• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
  • Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
  • Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines your child takes. These medicines can cause problems when taken with other medicines.
  • Take all of your child's medicines to every doctor appointment, especially when you see a new doctor. This will help all of the doctors care for your child better.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Talk with your doctor if your child has trouble sleeping because of pain.
• Have your child eat healthy foods. Talk with your doctor about what type of diet may be best.
• Give your child lots of fluids. This is very important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. Give your child sips of water or drinks such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores. Give these drinks as long as your child is throwing up or has diarrhea. Do not use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• Keep your child away from smoke and the aerosol mist from vaping. Do not smoke or vape around your child or in your house, and avoid being around others who are smoking or vaping.

Keeping your life in order

Here are some tips on how to keep your life on track while your child gets better.

• Make sure your child's school knows about the illness. Get school commitments taken care of or postponed. This will give your child the time and energy needed to treat the illness.
• Keep your child's school or day care informed about when your child will be able to return.
• Talk with your insurance provider to make sure treatments are covered.

Questions to ask

• Can the illness be cured? Can the illness become long-lasting (chronic)?
• How will my child's lifestyle change when the illness is gone?
• Does the illness run in families?
• What types of treatment are available? Which treatment has the best success rate?
• Are there any side effects?
• What are the best and worst possible results of the treatment?

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child does not get better as expected.