Do I Need to Take My Kid to the ER for an Ear Infection?

It's 10pm on a Tuesday. Your child is crying, holding their ear, and saying it hurts. You're wondering: Is this ER-worthy? Or am I overreacting?

You're not alone. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents consider late-night ER visits. But here's what most parents don't know: most ear infections don't require emergency care—and there's a faster, easier way to get help.

When an Ear Infection IS an Emergency

Go to the ER immediately if your child has:

• High fever over 104°F (40°C) that won't come down with medication

• Severe pain that isn't relieved by children's pain medication

• Fluid draining from the ear (especially if it's bloody or pus-like)

• Swelling behind the ear or redness spreading

• Stiff neck or severe headache

• Signs of dehydration (no tears, dry mouth, no urination for 8+ hours)

• Is under 3 months old with any fever

If you see any of these signs, don't wait—head to the ER.

When an Ear Infection is NOT an Emergency (Most of the Time)

Here's the reality: 80% of ear infections don't require emergency care. Most ear infections:

• Cause moderate pain that responds to children's Tylenol or Advil

• Come with mild to moderate fever (under 102°F)

• Develop gradually over a day or two

• Happen alongside cold symptoms

These situations are uncomfortable—but not dangerous. Your child needs care, just not emergency care.

The Problem with the ER for Non-Emergency Ear Infections

If you go to the ER for a non-urgent ear infection, here's what typically happens:

• 4-6 hour wait in a busy waiting room with other sick people

• Exposure to other illnesses while you wait

• Exhausting experience for you and your child in the middle of the night

• Eventually being told: "It's an ear infection. Here's a prescription. Monitor it at home."

You spent half your night for something that could have been handled in 15 minutes.

There's a Better Way: Text a Healthcare Provider Instead

When your child has an earache but doesn't need emergency care, Arlo connects you with a licensed healthcare provider in 15 minutes or less—right from your couch.

Here's how it works:

1. Text us your child's symptoms (ear pain, fever, cold symptoms, how long it's been happening)

2. Connect with a healthcare provider within 15 minutes, even at midnight

3. Get a diagnosis and treatment plan—including a prescription sent directly to your pharmacy if needed

4. Stay home where your child is comfortable

No waiting room. No exposure to other illnesses. No wondering if you're "bothering" the ER for something minor.

What Arlo's Healthcare Providers Can Do for Ear Infections

Our licensed healthcare providers can:

• Assess whether it's likely an ear infection based on symptoms

• Determine if antibiotics are needed (not all ear infections require them)

• Send a prescription to your local pharmacy

• Provide clear guidance on pain management

• Tell you exactly when to follow up or seek in-person care

• Give you peace of mind at 2am when you're worried

How to Decide: ER, Walk-in Clinic, or Arlo?

Use this quick decision tree:

Emergency signs present? → Go to ER now

No emergency signs? → Text Arlo

Not sure if it's serious? → Text Arlo first—we'll tell you if your child needs in-person care

What Parents Say About Using Arlo for Ear Infections

"My daughter woke up crying at 11pm with ear pain. I texted Arlo, and within 10 minutes had spoken to a healthcare provider and had a prescription sent to the Shoppers I always go to. We never left the house. It was such a relief." – Sarah, mom of 3

The Bottom Line

Most childhood ear infections don't need emergency care — but they do need timely care.

Instead of spending your night in an ER waiting room, you can text Arlo and connect with a licensed healthcare provider in minutes. We're available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Your child is in pain. You want answers now. We're here.The Bottom Line

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society’s guidelines, diagnosing a middle ear infection (acute otitis media) means a doctor or nurse needs to actually see inside the ear. With Arlo, this can be done using a personal ear camera or through an otoscope report from a trained healthcare professional.

Arlo can also help with outer ear infections or “swimmer’s ear” — sending clear photos with live messaging is usually enough for proper assessment and care.

Ready to Get Help?

Text Arlo now and connect with a healthcare provider in 15 minutes or less. No appointment needed. Available 24/7 across Canada.

Have questions? Learn more about how Arlo works or see the conditions we treat.

Arlo provides virtual medical consultations with licensed Canadian healthcare providers. In cases requiring physical examination or emergency care, our providers will direct you to seek in-person medical attention.