It’s Monday morning. Your child has a fever and a cough that won’t stop — and you’re left wondering: Should I call the pediatrician, go to urgent care, or manage this at home?

Childhood illnesses like colds, flu, ear infections, and strep throat are common. The challenge isn’t just the symptoms — it’s knowing when to call your child’s doctor and when urgent or emergency care is needed.

“Parents often call about fever, cough, or vomiting, and it’s not always clear what can be managed at home and what needs medical attention,” says Meghan Mitchell, PNP, a pediatric provider at Adena Health.

Here’s how to think through those moments.

When it’s OK to treat symptoms at home

Not every illness requires a call or visit. Many mild symptoms can be managed at home with supportive care.

“For things like a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, or mild cough and congestion, it’s usually OK to start by treating symptoms at home,” Mitchell says. “Most of the time, these are part of common, short-term illnesses.”

To help your child feel more comfortable:

• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for children older than 6 months) to reduce fever.

• Offer fluids, such as oral rehydration solutions, to prevent dehydration.

• Use a humidifier to ease congestion.

• Suction the nose for infants and young children.

“Suction, suction, and suction — that’s one of the most helpful things you can do for congestion,” Mitchell says.

If symptoms are mild and your child is otherwise acting like themselves, you can monitor at home.

When to call your child’s pediatrician

Sometimes, even with care at home, it’s best to check in.

“You should reach out if a fever lasts five days or longer, or if it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms,” Mitchell says.

Call your child’s provider if you notice:

• Fever lasting more than five days.

• Vomiting that won’t stop or signs of dehydration.

• Decreased urine output (fewer wet diapers or bathroom trips).

• Symptoms that aren’t improving or are getting worse.

Your child’s provider knows their health history and what’s typical for them — and can help guide next steps.

When to seek urgent or emergency care

Some symptoms need more immediate attention.

Go to urgent care when your child’s provider isn’t available for:

• Mild to moderate symptoms outside regular office hours.

• Non-severe issues that need same-day care.

• Minor injuries like sprains or strains.

Go to the emergency department — or call 911 if symptoms are severe or life-threatening — if your child has:

• Trouble breathing or is working harder to breathe.

• Signs of severe dehydration (very few wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears).

• Unusual drowsiness, difficulty waking, or changes in responsiveness.

• Symptoms that feel severe or are rapidly worsening.

If your child needs immediate care, urgent and emergency services are available with Adena pediatricians and Nationwide Children’s Hospital hospitalists on site at Adena Regional Medical Center 24/7.

Trust your instincts

When something feels off, trust that instinct.

“You know your child best. If something doesn’t seem right, reach out,” Mitchell says.

If you’re unsure, your child’s pediatric provider is a good place to start. Establishing care now means you’ll have someone to call when these moments happen — so you’re not left guessing.

Don’t wait until your child is sick to find care. Connect with an Adena pediatric provider so you have someone you trust when you need them. Visit Adena.org/Pediatrics to schedule today.

Meet our expert: Meghan Mitchell, PNP

Meghan Mitchell, PNP, earned her master’s degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. She provides pediatric care at Adena Health, partnering with families to manage common childhood illnesses, support preventive care, and guide children’s overall health and development.

“I knew I wanted to work in pediatrics because of how resilient children are,” she says. “It’s rewarding to watch them grow, learn, and discover what they’re passionate about.”