Do I Need to Take My Kid to the ER for an Ear Infection?
By Arlo Health
It's 9pm. Your toddler is screaming, tugging at their ear, and running a fever. You're wondering: do I need to go to the ER?
The short answer for most ear infections: probably not.
What is an ear infection?
Ear infections (acute otitis media) happen when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and gets infected. They're incredibly common in kids, especially between 6 months and 3 years old.
When you can wait
Most ear infections are not emergencies. You can likely wait to see a provider if your child:
- Has mild to moderate ear pain
- Has a fever under 39°C (102.2°F)
- Is still drinking fluids
- Is uncomfortable but consolable
In the meantime, children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with pain and fever.
When to go to the ER
Head to the ER if your child:
- Has a fever over 40°C (104°F)
- Is under 3 months old with any fever
- Has swelling or redness behind the ear
- Seems extremely lethargic or unresponsive
- Has fluid draining from the ear
The Arlo option
Instead of waiting hours at the ER or days for a GP appointment, you can text an Arlo provider. They can assess the situation, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and send the prescription directly to your pharmacy.
Average time from opening the app to talking to a provider: 113 seconds.
No ER wait. No Google spiral. Just answers from a real healthcare provider.