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What to Do If Your Child Is Sick in Columbus, NE
You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone
A fever in the middle of the night, a cough that won't quit, or a stomachache before school can leave any parent wondering what to do. Should you wait it out, call the doctor, or head to the emergency room?
At Columbus Children's Healthcare, we help families across Columbus and surrounding communities answer those questions every day. Our pediatricians and staff care for children from newborns up to age 22, and we've built our sick care around one goal: getting your child the right level of care at the right time, without unnecessary worry or wasted trips.
Here's a simple roadmap for what to do when your child isn't feeling well.
Is your child sick right now?
Call our pediatric nurse line at (402) 564-7200, option 4, for advice on what to do next.
Step 1: Look Up Your Child's Symptoms
When the symptoms don't seem serious, start with our
Is Your Child Sick?® symptom guide. It covers well over 100 common childhood illnesses and injuries, including fevers, earaches, rashes, croup, vomiting, and minor cuts. Each topic walks you through which symptoms can be handled at home, which ones mean you should call the office, and which need emergency care. Many parents find the answer they need in just a few minutes, and our nurses encourage families to check it first when practical.
Step 2: Call Our Nurse Line
If you're still unsure, or your child's symptoms are getting worse, call (402) 564-7200 and press option 4 to reach our triage nurse. She'll ask a few questions about what's going on and help you decide whether your child needs to be seen, or whether you can safely care for them at home with her advice.
When your question needs a doctor's input, the nurse will talk with your child's physician between appointments and call you back with instructions. If the physician needs to speak with you directly, expect a call over the lunch hour or at the end of the day. Calls to the nurse line during business hours are returned the same day.
Tip: If the nurse is helping another family when you call, leave your child's name, date of birth, and the reason for your call. Calling early in the day gives us the best chance to fit your child in if they need a visit.
Step 3: Bring Your Child in for a Same-Day Sick Visit
When your child needs to be seen, our same-day sick visits help you get answers and start treatment quickly. Our acute clinic sees established patients older than two months who have received their first set of vaccines. It's designed for minor illnesses such as ear pain, sore throats, coughs, congestion, rashes, pink eye, and stomach bugs, and it's available Monday through Friday during regular office hours.
Same-day slots depend on daily capacity, so please call ahead rather than walking in. Scheduling in advance shortens your wait and ensures our providers have enough time with your child. If your child has ongoing or more complex symptoms, we'll typically schedule them with their regular provider so their care stays consistent.
Call
(402) 564-7200, option 4, as early in the day as possible. Our nurse will help you find the right appointment.
Think your child needs to be seen today?
What If My Child Gets Sick After Hours?
Children don't only get sick during office hours. When our office is closed, call the same number,
(402) 564-7200, to be connected with specially trained pediatric nurses. They can answer your questions, help you judge how urgent your child's symptoms are, and reach our pediatricians directly if more guidance is needed. That means you can make evening and weekend decisions with a pediatric professional instead of guessing.
Symptoms That Need Prompt Attention
Some symptoms shouldn't wait for a routine appointment. Call our office right away if your child has:
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher and is younger than one year old
- A fever of 102°F or higher with other symptoms and is older than one year
- A fever that lasts longer than three days, or any unusual symptoms lasting more than three days
- Pain that won't go away, or a rash that spreads over large areas of the body
- A fever along with a stiff neck, headache, vomiting, or rash
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies such as loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, or a seizure. For minor emergencies such as cuts, sprains, or a possible mild fracture, call our office first. We can often tell you whether your child can be seen here or needs to go elsewhere.
Help available 24/7:
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
Helpful Tools for Caring for a Sick Child at Home
Our parent resources can make the days your child is home sick a little easier:
Medicine Dosages
Medicine DosagesFind the correct amount of common over-the-counter medicines, such as fever reducers, based on your child's weight.
What's Going Around
What's Going AroundSee which illnesses are circulating in our community so you know what to watch for.
Medical Library
Medical LibraryRead in-depth, trustworthy information on childhood conditions and treatments.
Helpful Links
Helpful LinksBrowse outside organizations we trust for additional support.
Visit Our Columbus Office
When your child needs to be seen, our team is ready to help.
Sick Child FAQs
How do I know whether to call or just come in?
Medicine DosagesAlways call first. Our acute clinic works by appointment only, so walking in without calling may mean a longer wait or no available slot. A quick call to our nurse line tells you whether your child needs to be seen, and if so, gets them on the schedule.
My baby is only a few weeks old and seems sick. Can they be seen in the acute clinic?
What's Going AroundOur same-day acute clinic is for patients older than two months who've had their first vaccines. If your newborn seems sick, call (402) 564-7200, option 4, right away. Illness in very young babies can be more serious, and our nurse will guide you to the right care.
What information should I have ready when I call the nurse?
Medical LibraryHave your child's name and date of birth, their temperature if you've taken it, when symptoms started, any medicines you've given (including the dose and time), and anything that seems unusual, such as fewer wet diapers or trouble breathing. This helps our nurse give you accurate advice faster.
How much fever or pain medicine can I give my child?
Helpful LinksDosing depends on your child's weight and the specific product. Use our Medicine Dosages page, and call our nurse line if your child is very young, the chart doesn't fit your situation, or you're unsure.
What should I do if my child gets sick on a weekend or holiday?
Call (402) 564-7200. After hours, you'll reach pediatric nurses who can advise you and contact our pediatricians if needed. Keep in mind that our same-day sick visits are offered on weekdays during regular office hours.
Should I take my child to the ER for a cut or sprain?
For minor injuries like small cuts, sprains, or a suspected mild fracture, call our office first. We may be able to treat your child here or advise you on the best place to go. Save the ER, or a 911 call, for serious emergencies like heavy bleeding, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Can I see my child's regular doctor for a sick visit?
For minor illnesses, same-day acute clinic appointments are the fastest option. If your child has chronic or more complex symptoms, we recommend scheduling with their regular provider so they can see someone who already knows their history.
When your child is sick, one phone call can give you a plan. Call Columbus Children's Healthcare at
(402) 564-7200, option 4, to talk with our nurse, or request a same-day sick visit today.