Even with the right preventive care, illnesses are common in young children. The average child suffers from approximately 5 to 8 acute pediatric illnesses each year; but, fortunately, most of these illnesses are mild, generally harmless, and can be easily remedied with the right care and medication. Examples of such illnesses include fevers, sore throats, vomiting, diarrhea, earaches and common colds.
There are a few signs that you should watch out for that may indicate that your child may need medical attention for an acute illness. They include:
- Inability to stay alert or aware of surroundings or extreme irritability
- Poor fluid intake or retention or signs of dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
- Long-lasting or extremely high fever in an ill-appearing child
- Symptoms that do not improve after 6-7 days