Being a parent is truly a 24/7 job with too many job tasks to list! One of the most important parts of being a parent is keeping your child healthy. Unfortunately, your child will inevitably face an illness from time to time. Since childhood illnesses are so common, it’s important to know how to treat them at home or when to seek professional care. Check out these common illnesses and learn how to address them in your child! 

Strep Throat

Strep throat is most common in school-aged children and is very rare in babies or toddlers. Strep throat symptoms come on suddenly and your child will likely complain of a sore throat as their first symptom. The sore throat can also be accompanied by a fever, difficulty swallowing, and white patches in the mouth or throat. Strep throat requires antibiotics to heal, so if your child displays these symptoms, take them to a nearby urgent care center right away! Warm liquids, moist air, plenty of water, and rest will help relieve the pain while the antibiotics do their job. 

Ear Pain 

Ear pain is a common symptom in children of all ages. Ear pain can have a wide variety of causes including swimmers’ ear, ear infection, sinus pressure, tooth pain, and more. If your child starts complaining of ear pain, offer a warm compress and an over the counter pain reliever that’s age appropriate for them. If the pain persists for more than 24 hours, affects both ears, or comes with a fever, it’s time to take a trip to the urgent care for further diagnosis and treatment. 

Common Cold 

A common cold is something that every child will get, usually more than once! A cold typically presents with a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, and fatigue. A common cold does not generally cause a fever. Over the counter cold medicine is suitable for children 6 years and older. For younger children, you should consult with an urgent care center or pediatrician for dosing information. Rest, hydration, and time will allow your child to get over the cold along with the cold medicine. If cold symptoms persist for more than 3-5 days, visit an urgent care center to check for signs of a sinus infection or bronchitis. 

Remember that you know your child better than anyone and if you think they should be seen by a medical professional, don’t hesitate to reach out for treatment. Even if your child isn’t in need of antibiotic treatment, urgent care staff can provide you with tips for home remedies and over the counter medications to manage their symptoms!