Concern about child's fever?

Tell me how you'd handle this situation. I need some guidance.

I am currently babysitting a 2 year old for a friend who has just had a baby. This morning, his fever was 100.5 and he was coughing a lot. I called his mom and told her what was going on but she seemed unconcerned. I explained that although I know she has a new baby (born last week) at home, that I couldn't take off of work to keep Tristan and I needed to bring him to her to watch for the day. Now, this is her kid, right???

She was upset that I couldn't take off of work to keep him, but told me to bring him on to her. I called to check on him a few minutes ago and her answer was "He's fine. he's slept most of the day".

Am I crazy for being so worried?? I know children run fevers for a reason, but this is a very active 2 year old who is not himself.

She said she's not going to call the doctor because she doesn't think anything is wrong with him.

HELP!!!!!!!

I do think that it may be her reaction to the situation that is more alarming than anything. She is just very unconcerned about the whole situation. Like I said, she expected me to take care of the situation and not involve her at all.

He definitely has the croup, there is NO mistaking that cough. My main concern with a cough is that pneumonia can occur very quickly if things aren't treated. I just got over a bad case of walking pneumonia about 3 weeks ago.

I appreciate everyone's advice, I guess I just am a little more cautious that she is. And I wouldn't be so concerned if I didn't love the little fella.

This is just a really bad situation all around - single mom with two children who relies on everyone else to "bail" her out of her problems. Tristan stays with us more than she stays with her. She says she "just can't handle him some days".

No you are not wrong to be worried. My son is two and he is very active, heran a high fever 101 and up for about 3 days. All he wanted to do was sleep, no playing, didn't eat, he even looked like he lost a few punds. Fever medicine would not break it. I took him to the emergency room and he ended up having strep throat which was going around a little while ago. He needs to go see his pediatrician. Strep throat can lead to hay fever.

It depends on the child and what type of symptoms they show. Usually, if the child is active, no runny or stuffy nose, cough with no phelm. Then its just a cold. On the other hand if the child is moping, or seems to be uncomfortable them you should worry. Most times, toddlers are either teething. You can give them childrens Tylenol or Mortin to reduce the fever and keep and eye on them. If the fever persists with other symptoms then you should be concerned.

100.5 is barely a fever. I would be concerned if it was a couple of degrees higher. I think it is sweet that you are concerned but children get fevers for all kinds of reasons. I used to get really worked up when my son got a fever but now if he is eating, drinking, and acting normally and as long as it doesn't get too high I give him Tylenol. If it lasts for more than a day I will take him to the ped.

Moms know best. Fevers are a sign of a problem but 100.5 isnt really a high fever for a child.