Mona Blog

    Notes from a father and indie developer, written when the kids are asleep.

    All
    Doctor visits
    Fever
    Infections
    Medication
    Emergency
    Tips

    14 articles

    A parent and child sitting calmly and cosily together under a blanket on the sofa

    Latest

    Bornavirus in Germany and Europe: How Dangerous Is It for Children?

    How dangerous is Borna disease virus (BoDV-1) for children? Where it occurs in Germany and Europe, how it spreads, and simple ways to protect your family.

    Jun 3, 2026

    2026

    Child at a spring window with a tissue, parent watching attentively

    Allergy or Cold in a Child: 7 Differences for a Self-Check

    Is your child sneezing through spring — allergy or cold? 7 clear differences in mucus, itch, fever, duration, and season. A self-check for parents.

    May 10, 2026 · 6 min read

    Parent gently holds a small warm cloth against a sleepy child's ear at night, dim bedside lamp

    Ear Pain in a Child at Night: What Helps Immediately, When to See a Doctor

    Your child is crying at night with ear pain? What gives relief right now, which warning signs are an emergency, and when the morning is soon enough — calm guidance.

    May 10, 2026 · 7 min read

    Parent gently comforts a tired child resting on a sofa under a soft blanket, a glass of clear fluid on the side table

    Diarrhoea and Vomiting in a Child for 3 Days: What Helps, When to See Your GP

    Your child has had diarrhoea and vomiting for 3 days? When it's still normal, when to see your GP — and how to keep an overview day by day.

    May 10, 2026 · 13 min read

    A worried parent at a child's bedside in dim warm lamp light at night, gently placing a hand on the feverish child's forehead. A digital thermometer rests on the nightstand.

    Fever of 39.5 °C in a Toddler: When Do You Need to See a Doctor?

    A 39.5 °C fever in a toddler is high — but not automatically an emergency. Which warning signs matter and when to call 999, your GP, or wait.

    May 10, 2026 · 6 min read

    Parent gently offers a small glass of water to an exhausted toddler resting under a soft blanket

    My Child Can't Keep Down Fluids During Stomach Flu: What to Do and When to See a Doctor

    Stomach flu in children: how to rehydrate spoonful by spoonful, spot dehydration early, and when to see a doctor right away. With a clear triage table.

    May 10, 2026 · 11 min read

    A parent gently examining a small red rash on a young child's hand and foot in a sunlit bedroom

    Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Children: How Long Contagious and When Back to Nursery?

    Hand, foot and mouth in your child: how long contagious, when to return to nursery, what helps. Clear guidance on rash, fever, and when to call a doctor.

    May 10, 2026 · 12 min read

    Parent comforting a coughing child under a blanket on the couch, with steaming tea on the side table

    Cough in Children: When to See a Doctor, What Actually Helps

    Dry or productive cough? When does your child need a doctor? Which home remedies are safe? Practical guidance for parents.

    May 7, 2026 · 9 min read

    Parent with notes at the GP surgery

    Why Your Memory Fails at the GP (And What Actually Helps)

    Stressed parents forget half the details at the doctor. Why cognitive overload is to blame and how a symptom diary saves time instead of adding work.

    Mar 15, 2026 · 7 min read

    Exhausted parent reading a medication leaflet by lamplight with children's fever medicine on the table

    Ibuprofen or Paracetamol? What Parents Really Need to Know

    Ibuprofen or paracetamol for your child? Differences in how they work, weight-based dosing, timing between doses, and when to use which – clearly explained.

    Mar 15, 2026 · 10 min read

    Sick child with tissues on the couch

    My Child Is Always Sick: How Many Infections Are Normal?

    8–12 infections per year in toddlers are normal – especially in nursery. When to worry and how to help your GP spot patterns.

    Mar 15, 2026 · 9 min read

    Parent taking a child's temperature with a thermometer

    Fever in Children: When Is It Dangerous – and When Just Annoying?

    Fever curves, warning signs, and febrile seizures: when fever in children is harmless and when you need to act immediately. With a practical checklist.

    Mar 14, 2026 · 9 min read

    Exhausted mother coming home from the night shift to a sick child

    Mom Works the Night Shift – And Nobody Knows When the Last Fever Suppository Was Given

    Shift work, a sick child, and no one remembers the last dose. Why timing matters with paracetamol and ibuprofen – and how a shared log keeps your family safe.

    Mar 14, 2026 · 7 min read

    Child with a thermometer

    Fever in Children: What Parents Should Know

    When does a fever become dangerous for children? What really helps? Practical tips for parents to properly assess and manage fever.

    Mar 10, 2026 · 8 min read