Sick Day Protocol Card

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

How to Use This

How to Use This: Print and post on your refrigerator. When your child gets sick, follow the step-by-step guide first, then check the 'Watch vs. Act' table to decide if you need to call the doctor.

Important

For infants under 3 months: ANY fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher) requires immediate medical attention. Do not wait. Call your pediatrician or go to the ER.

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.

Decision Guide

When to call the doctor vs. wait: If your child is alert, drinking fluids, and fever responds to medicine — monitor at home. If they're lethargic, refusing fluids, have difficulty breathing, or develop a rash — call immediately.

Next Steps

Next Steps: After your child recovers, use the Immune-Supporting Daily Routine Checklist to rebuild and strengthen their immune system. If your child gets sick frequently, review the Gut-Immune Connection Food Guide to address possible root causes.

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