When to Take your Baby to the Hospital

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CLEVELAND - With so many viruses circulating, like COVID-19, RSV and the flu, it’s sure to cause concern for new parents.

They may not know when to take their baby to the hospital.

“A lot of parents wonder when their child gets sick when the most appropriate time to go to the emergency department is, and it depends on what's making a child ill. But usually, the best advice is to contact your child's pediatrician's office first. Most offices will have an on-call doctor or nurse line that’s available 24/7,” said Kimberly Giuliano, MD, pediatrician for Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

However, Dr. Giuliano said there are situations where you shouldn’t hesitate to go to the hospital.

For example, if your child is seriously hurt, has uncontrollable bleeding, or an altered mental state – meaning they’re not acting like themselves.

She does note that if they have a fever, that could impact their behavior, so you may want to try giving them medication first.

Of course, be sure to double check you’re using the right kind.

Breathing issues could also merit a trip to the hospital.

But, again, Dr. Giuliano said it depends on the circumstances.

If your baby has a clogged nose, you may just need to get the mucus out.

“Even kids with breathing issues like asthma, sometimes we can prescribe treatments over the phone or recommend use of certain inhalers that asthma patients may already have at home that would prevent the need for an emergency department,” she said.

Dr. Giuliano said since there are so many viruses out there right now, parents are strongly urged to get their children vaccinated.