Module 4

Sick Day Protocol Card

Step-by-step guide for managing common childhood illnesses at home

When Your Child Gets Sick: Step by Step

1Check temperature (rectal for under 3 months, oral or ear for older kids)
2Assess hydration: tears when crying, wet diapers every 6-8 hrs, moist mouth
3Push fluids: breast milk, electrolyte solution, bone broth, water
4Let mild fevers run (fever is the immune system working, not the enemy)
5Rest in a cool, comfortable room with light clothing
6Monitor symptoms every 2-4 hours; write down temps and fluid intake
7Comfort measures: cool washcloth on forehead, warm bath for congestion
8Call your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or don't improve in 48-72 hours

When to Watch vs. When to Act

Illness	Watch at Home	Call Doctor	Go to ER
Common cold	Runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever < 3 days	Symptoms > 10 days, fever returns after improving, ear pain	Difficulty breathing, blue lips, can't keep fluids down
Fever	100.4-102°F with normal behavior, eating/drinking OK	102°F+ lasting > 48 hrs, child under 2 years with fever > 24 hrs	Fever in infant < 3 months, 105°F+, seizure, stiff neck, unresponsive
Ear infection	Mild tugging at ear, no fever, still playing	Ear pain > 48 hrs, fever with ear pain, fluid draining from ear	Sudden hearing loss, severe pain with high fever, swelling behind ear
Stomach bug	Mild vomiting/diarrhea, keeping some fluids down	Vomiting > 24 hrs, diarrhea > 3 days, blood in stool	Signs of dehydration (no tears, sunken eyes, no urine 8+ hrs), severe abdominal pain
Croup	Mild barky cough, no stridor at rest	Stridor at rest, cough worsening over 3+ days, drooling	Severe breathing difficulty, blue/gray skin, can't speak or cry

Important

Fever thresholds by age: Under 3 months with ANY fever (100.4°F+) = ER immediately. Ages 3-6 months with fever 102°F+ = call doctor same day. Over 6 months with fever 104°F+ or lasting > 48 hours = call doctor. Any age with fever + stiff neck, rash, or seizure = ER.