My child has been throwing up all afternoon. Last night was sleepless for both of us, and now he’s running a fever of 103, even after taking fever-reducing medication. What should I do?
No, I’m not seeking advice. I’m sharing a post I recently stumbled upon in a parenting group online. There are countless similar posts, day after day. Parents describe their children’s alarming symptoms—everything from irregular breathing patterns to spreading rashes and incessant coughing fits.
As a mother of four, I feel it’s my duty to have a heart-to-heart with you. If you’re tempted to seek a diagnosis for your child’s health issue from online sources, resist that urge. Instead of broadcasting your child’s condition to a digital audience, take a more prudent step.
The simplest solution? Take your child to a healthcare provider.
I understand that heading to the emergency room in the middle of the night is far from ideal. I know that spending your Saturday morning at an urgent care facility, surrounded by other sick individuals, is not what anyone wants. I sympathize with those parents cradling their feverish kids in the pediatrician’s waiting room—everyone is feeling the strain.
Having a sick child is undeniably tough. It affects not just the little one, but the entire family. You worry about whether the illness is contagious. Should you disinfect every surface or simply cuddle your child? How can you run out for over-the-counter medications and comfort food when you can’t leave their side? It’s frustrating to realize you forgot to stock up on cough drops during your last trip to the grocery store.
However, let’s be clear. The people in your online parenting group—regardless of their backgrounds—cannot examine your child or provide a proper diagnosis. You could be getting advice from someone who has zero medical training, and that’s a dangerous gamble when it comes to your child’s health.
I’ve seen posts detailing a toddler’s vomiting episodes, along with frantic timelines of how often they’ve been sick—followed by questions like, “How much blood is too much?”
Sure, your child might be dealing with something commonplace this season like a stomach virus, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, or a cold. ‘Tis the season for sharing germs, after all. I genuinely hope your child recovers quickly with some ginger ale, chicken soup, tissues, and a good dose of distraction from Netflix.
But what if it’s something more severe? What if your child’s unusual breathing indicates a serious condition like RSV or pneumonia? What if your teenager’s fatigue and excessive thirst signal the onset of type 1 diabetes? What if your preschooler’s mysterious rash and vomiting point to strep throat, requiring antibiotics? What if your seven-year-old’s rising fever is actually the start of influenza?
The most qualified person to assess and treat your child is not the parent at midnight who is also in distress, but an actual physician with a medical degree and the ability to prescribe treatment. Don’t be swayed by local moms trying to sell you essential oils during your time of need.
Each time I read the responses in desperate threads, I feel as though I’ve entered an alternate reality. Much of the advice offered can be downright ludicrous, and I hope the concerned parent is wise enough to disregard it.
For example, a child with a strange rash shouldn’t be subjected to an ice bath simply because a grandmother swears by it. A child with a high fever won’t heal just by sipping a greens shake promoted by a multi-level marketing enthusiast. A tween suffering from a migraine for days won’t magically feel better after an application of breast milk to her forehead.
I advocate for healthy living, fresh air, and holistic remedies when they’re appropriate. However, how can you treat a problem without a proper diagnosis?
I know it sounds unbelievable, but anyone active in online parenting communities knows it’s true. The sensible responses from experienced parents often boil down to: “Get your child to a doctor right away.”
I’m not suggesting that every sniffle or minor ailment requires a pediatrician visit. However, if your child is running a high fever, unable to keep food down, lethargic, exhibiting unexplained rashes, or unable to walk—grab a blanket and take them to a medical professional. Don’t waste time documenting their symptoms for social media.
Focus on caring for your little one. Make the responsible choice to seek medical attention. You can catch up with your online parenting group later while you snuggle with your recovering child on the couch.
In summary, when your child is sick, trust the experts. Seek medical help rather than relying on advice from untrained sources. For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post and for exceptional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit March of Dimes or Make a Mom.
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