Welcome, Ōdulting parent! You are likely here because you have a kid who is sick, has been sick or is likely to get sick any day now.
That, or you are an Ōdulting parent-to-be and unsure what green snot means. Either way, welcome to the blog and your guide to children’s health.
This guide will help you understand the basic signs of a sick kid and what options are out there for care.
How do I know my kid is sick?
Most parents just know. Parents just have a sense that constant coughing isn’t the little’s normal vibe. If it’s your first rodeo though, the most common signs that tell you something is wrong with baby are:
- Fever over 99.0
- Constant crying that can’t be calmed
- Will not eat anything
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Snotty nose
- Rash covering a large portion of the body
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tells you they are pain
Now we know this seems like a huge list, and unfortunately, this isn’t even everything that could indicate your child is sick. These are just common, and as their guardian, you will probably know when they just aren’t 100%. Give yourself some credit here. When you are sure they are coming down with something, you probably begin to wonder where to take them. No worries there, we’ve got you!
Teledoctor
It’s 2020. You can now video chat with a doctor using your smartphone. You can send them pictures of a rash or show them your kids gross snot to help them figure out what might be going on. A true miracle of technology if you ask us.
Teledoctor options are great for when you think it’s something common that still needs meds but doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take time off work or school to go into an office. A teledoctor can diagnose and prescribe for illnesses like pink eye, cold and flu, stomach bugs, allergies and rashes.
You can do a quick call with the doctor and then just make a run to the pharmacy for junior’s medication. Done and done. These services normally aren’t as expensive as a regular doctor either. Ōnin Staffing Teammates actually get this service free with their medical benefits. Check to see if your employer offers something similar, it can be your best friend when it comes to a sick kiddo.
Dentists, Eye Doctors and more!
Kids don’t just have colds and scratches. They also get cavities and need glasses sometimes too. Don’t forget to bring them to these other offices that can help your child stay healthy. These health services will normally have their own insurance coverage outside of your usual medical policy. This means, when your kiddo is over one-year-old, you will need to look into enrolling in these benefits or expect to pay out of pocket for these services. If you do choose to pay out of pocket be sure to do your homework and shop around for the best deal. It’s important to shop around since you may be eligible for free or discounted services depending on your state. For example, many states offer free vision screenings to children under one through the InfantSEE program. You can also check with your daycare or school district to see if they provide these check-ups and when (remember those hearing screenings way back in elementary school?).
These other office visits can help your child reach their full potential with clear vision, solid hearing and on-point taste buds (can’t guarantee dentist visits will help them eat any more vegetables though).
Good Old Fashioned Doctor
As kids grow up they will need vaccinations and check-ups and this is where the good old fashioned doctor’s office option comes in clutch. For the healthy check-ups, it’s great to have a doctor you can go to when you have questions about your child’s development or health. This doctor will likely be the one your child sees for many years. This means they will have a good idea about your child’s development since they took care of them when they were younger. Just like we all have a go-to person for relationship advice, your child’s pediatrician can be your go-to when you have general questions about your kid’s health.
Urgent Care
There are some things you know can’t be solved with a phone call. Things like broken bones, stitches or burns. These are the scary ones that your kids may encounter when sports, bikes, tree climbing and horseplay become a thing. For situations like these, Urgent care centers are the way to go. These clinics are a lighter version of an emergency room. They can easily treat more serious issues like burns, cuts or broken bones. They can be pricey, but not nearly as much as an emergency room. You will want to check with your health insurance to see what kind of coverage is offered. For example, Ōnin Teammates have a $25.00 copay to visit an Urgent Care clinic. This means that Teammates pay $25.00 to visit an Urgent Care and then they receive a bill later based on how much they have left to pay into their deductible.
Emergency Room
When you just aren’t sure or something doesn’t feel right, don’t take a chance, bring your child to the emergency room. An ER is the most equipped to help your child in a true emergency such as seizures, unconsciousness or breathing issues. An emergency room is going to be your most expensive option, so you won’t want to use this one for a simple runny nose or scraped knee. You will want to hold this card for the really bad stuff. Sure, it is expensive, but it is the best option if it is a true emergency. One word of advice here is to be familiar with where your local emergency room is located. You probably won’t have time to Google it so try to prepare ahead of time.
Well, there you have it, a guide on your child and healthcare options tailored perfectly to their needs. You now have the tools you need to keep your babies healthy and your wallet intact. Go forth and Ōdult!
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