Mercy House Call: When to take kids to the doctor's office - News, Weather, Sports, Toledo, OH

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Posted by Nick Dutton - email

TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – Most parents don't seem to know when to wait an illness out or to take their child to the doctor's office.

Pediatrician Dr. Colleen Olson has some helpful guidelines for the top bugs that effect children.

In fact, Olson says she is already seeing cases of strep throat in her office.

If you child's complaining of a sore throat, a positive strep test requires antibiotics to avoid these complications

"It can go onto cause rheumatic fever, kidney problems, skin infections," said Olson.

The difference between cold and flu will be readily apparent.

For example, the flu hits with higher fever and chills. With a common cold, fever will be your indicator.

"If the fever lasts longer than five days that's one reason to come to the doctor. Viruses typically don't last longer than that," said Olson.

For pink eye, another common ailment, only a doctor can tell the difference between a bacterial and viral infection.

Olson says the bacterial kind needs prescription eye drops.

If your child has a runny nose and a cough, Olson says it is usually a viral case pinkeye and resistant to meds.

If kids have a stomach virus with nausea and vomiting, keeping kids hydrated is critical.

"The key is to give small amounts very frequently of whatever liquid you can get in," said

Both are extremely contagious and you need to keep your child home for at least 24 hours.

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