Sick Visits
Wellness Checkups & Sick-Child Visits in Houston, TX
Call St. Hope Healthcare’s pediatric offices if your child is feeling ill. We offer same-day sick-child visits so they can get diagnosed as soon as possible. Our rapid lab services ensure we can quickly identify common ailments and prescribe the necessary medications or recommend the best ways to manage symptoms and promote recovery.
You can trust our pediatricians to give you honest advice and support when dealing with a sick child.
Same-Day Sick Visits Available at Our Pediatric Locations
St. Hope Foundation offers same-day sick-child visits and walk-in availability at our pediatric health centers. If your child is sick, call the location nearest you.
Pediatric Locations and Hours
Greenspoint Health Center
(832) 300-8040
Pediatric Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 6 pm
1st / 3rd Saturday: 8 am – 1 pm
Sugar Land Health Center
(281) 277-8571
Pediatric Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 6 pm
1st / 3rd Saturday: 8 am – 1 pm
Walk-ins and last-minute appointments for sick children are welcome during pediatric clinic hours.
When Should You Bring in Your Child for a Sick Visit?
You should strongly consider bringing in your child for a sick visit if they are:
- Running a fever between 101°F–105°F
- Exhibiting rashes, especially if they look like chickenpox or are accompanied by labored breathing
- Vomiting or having diarrhea
- Experiencing pain or other symptoms in addition to their fever
- Feeling lethargic or experiencing malaise
- Having a fever that persists for three or more consecutive days
- Refusing to eat or don’t have an appetite
- Complaining about a sore throat that lasts for more than a day or two
- Running a fever and complaining of a stiff neck, headache and/or have red spots or purple patches on their skin
- Experiencing pain when urinating combined with fever
- Showing signs of dehydration like dry mouth or less frequent urination
- Complaining of an earache
- Showing any abnormal symptoms for three days or more in a row
Common conditions treated during pediatric sick visits include:
- Fever
- Colds and flu
- Ear infections
- Sore throat and strep throat
- Cough and bronchitis
- RSV
- COVID-19
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Rashes and skin infections
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Allergic reactions
- Minor injuries
- Urinary tract infections
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Asthma flare-ups
- Sinus infections
Is It Just the Common Cold?
The common cold often manifests as congestion or a runny nose and watery eyes. Children with a cold may also be sneezing, coughing or have a fever.
If you suspect your child has a cold, you may want to manage their symptoms at home for a day or two. If symptoms persist, you should visit St. Hope Healthcare Pediatrics for a sick-child visit.
Cold symptom management should include hydration (primarily water) and rest. You may also use over-the-counter children’s medications to manage fevers and/or coughs.
Take the opportunity to reinforce good hygiene habits by encouraging proper tissue disposal as well as covering coughs. Do your best to keep your child away from their siblings or other children to avoid spreading the virus.
What to Bring to a Sick Visit
- Insurance card
- List of medications your child is taking
- Record of symptoms and when they started
- Fever readings if applicable
- Vomiting/diarrhea timeline
- Questions for the doctor
- Comfort item for your child
Sick Child Visit Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take my child to the pediatrician for a fever?
You should bring your child in if:
- Under 3 months: Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- 3–6 months: Fever of 102°F or higher
- Older than 6 months: Fever of 103°F or higher
- Fever lasts more than 2–3 days
- Fever goes away and then returns
- Child is very lethargic, not drinking fluids or having trouble breathing
If the fever is accompanied by symptoms like persistent vomiting, a purple or unusual rash, stiff neck, severe headache, severe dehydration or difficulty breathing, seeking emergency care may be more appropriate.
Can my child go to the doctor for a cold?
Yes. While many colds can be managed at home, you should see a pediatrician if symptoms last more than a few days, worsen or include high fever, ear pain or breathing problems. Although colds can’t be treated with antibiotics, pediatricians can provide advice or perform testing to rule out other illnesses.
Can my child go to school or daycare with a fever or cold?
Children should stay home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea or symptoms that prevent them from participating in normal activities. Most schools and daycare centers require children to be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
Should I take my child to urgent care or the pediatrician?
For most common illnesses like fever, ear infections, cough, sore throat, vomiting or rashes, a pediatrician is usually the best first option. Urgent care is typically recommended for injuries, severe symptoms or when your pediatrician is unavailable.
What symptoms mean my child should see a doctor right away?
You should seek medical care quickly if your child has difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, persistent high fever, stiff neck, confusion, severe pain or unusual rash with fever.
How long should a child be sick before going to the doctor?
If symptoms last more than 2–3 days without improvement or if they worsen, it is usually a good idea to schedule a sick visit.
How do I know if my child has the flu, RSV or just a cold?
Flu and RSV often cause higher fevers, fatigue and more severe symptoms than a common cold. A pediatrician can evaluate symptoms and perform rapid testing if needed to determine the cause and recommend treatment.
What can a pediatrician do for vomiting and diarrhea?
A pediatrician can evaluate for dehydration, infection or stomach illness and recommend treatment, hydration strategies and medications if needed.
Will my child get a doctor’s note for school after a sick visit?
Yes. If your child needs documentation for school or daycare, the pediatric office can provide a school excuse note after the visit.
Can I bring multiple sick children to the same appointment?
Most pediatric offices can see siblings during the same visit, but it is best to call ahead so enough time can be scheduled.
Do sick visits include prescriptions if needed?
If your child is diagnosed with a bacterial infection or another condition requiring medication, prescriptions can be sent to your pharmacy.
How long does a pediatric sick visit usually take?
Most sick visits take about 15 to 30 minutes with the provider, depending on symptoms, testing and treatment needs. The total time at the office, including check-in and waiting, is usually between 30 minutes and an hour.
