Sick Daughter

[NurseELB]

She can go to school as much as she feels she's able. Have the Doctor write a release note.
If the mono spot comes back neg. my other two thoughts are influenza (can last 2 weeks), or a parvovirus (yes, humans DO get them). All 3 are self limiting, so she's gonna be fine!

 

[NurseDr]

Agree with Nurse ELB, I keep my kids home if I think they can get others sick, but I have this luxury. The Swine flu thing helped instill this. If my kids have a fever of 99.0 or above I keep them home for 24 hours after it is gone. That is school or any other social events, play dates, movies, friends, etc. Also, I keep them home if I would not want some kid with the same symptoms sitting next to them, for example a nasty cough. If I think my kids may not feel well but not sure and don't have the reasons to keep them home, I have them get up and getting ready for school and send them off, but contact the teacher. I let the teacher know my concerns and to call me or send them home if there is a problem. I have figured this out over 18 years and more years of as pediatric nurse.

i would not make a big deal of the issues over the weekend, and watch how she is. Then make a decision after she gets up Monday morning.

 

[equine chick]

Okay if the mono test is negative. What about strep? Did they do a throat culture?

 

[claud]

My first thought is mono.

Second is influenza but we are a little out of season for that.

Does she FEEL well enough to go to school?

 

[Spookwriter]

I'll post on this thread because it's kinda close to home for me.

I have an inherit blood disease. It was passed to my daughter. I live
with it, but at the same time I know it can take my life. Or hers.

There is a local hospital that I could go to. But I take my daughter to
Children's Hospital in Columbus Ohio because I feel it one of the best
in the nation. She's been in the hospital four times in the past year.

If your child is seriously sick--I don't mean a cough or cold, I mean sick--
and your doctor can't get a handle on it in nine or ten days, it's time to
go find yourself a better doctor, a better hospital.

....................

We live in a small town, rural area. Our local hospital more or less shuts
down in the evening. Weekend lab tests are almost out of the question.
Emergency room wait time is way long.

Had to take my daughter to Childrens Hospital just this past week. Let my wife
and daughter out at the emergency room, 8 PM Wenesday evening. Before I could
park my car and get in there, daughter was in a room being seen by a doctor.
Not just a doctor, but a HEMATOLOGIST. By midnight they had her checked out,
tuned up and we were on the way home.

 

[equine chick]

Quote:
Mono test takes less than 24 hours. There is a lot of strep going around at this time, even hitting adults. Spring time those bugs love to grow. Check the back of her throat for white patches, strep can be serious!

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Have they checked for H1N1?

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1?page=2#symptoms

 

[equine chick]

H1 n1 is pretty much gone. We are not even vaccinating anymore for that but you never know. My money is on mono or strep and if they are negative see a pediatric internist at your best chicldrens hospital.

 

[eggsellent]

H1N1 does not last 10 days.

 

[NurseDr]

There are two types of mono test, a spot test that is quick but not very accurate. It frequently can be negative and still have mono. But, if it is positive then it is usually correct. Then there is an antibody test that DOES take more then a day, so it makes sense it will not be back until Monday.

We had H1N1 go through our house this winter. It DOES last more then 10 day. But, you know it when you have it. A cough is a hallmark.

So for both of these there is no treatment, beside rest and fluids.

Spookwriter, I empathize with your family. I have worked with kids and families with chronic illnesses for many years. A dozen of the years in Alaska. The closest Hematologist was a 4 hour plane flight away in Seattle. But, dealing with mild illness in folks with rare genetic disorders is different then in otherwise healthy kids. It would probably be an over reaction to take off to the children's hospital. That is in part why our healthcare system is in crisis, is because folks with mild illness do that then folks like you and your daughter have a harder time accessing services when needed.

So, Mom, if she is drinking and peeing that is good. If not, then call you Dr and get her back in. If her mental status changes, confused, lethargic, unresponsive, very agitated, then you need to do something. Take all the advice with a grain of salt and follow you gut instinct.