Delaying a visit to the doctor

My #2 fell sick with mild fever (temperature 37.5 to 38.0 °C) on 14^th September with some sore throat. We brought her to see the doctor on that day itself and the general practitioner who had prescribed a course of antibiotics for my husband’s sore throat a few days ago was contemplating on whether to prescribe the same antibiotics. 

Eventually we were advised to administer the antibiotics if her condition worsens and to manage her fever with paracetamol/ibuprofen. Then two days later, she had itchy rashes on her legs, body, hands and scalp – while still having a mild fever all these while. We brought her to see the same doctor again and the doctor was sure this time round that she is suffering from a viral attack and advised against taking the antibiotics. 

Perhaps sometimes it is better to delay seeing the doctor. 

Earlier I have experienced the same situation with #3. Visiting the doctor at the early infection days did not prevent the condition from getting worse and there were not enough signs/symptoms for the doctor to make a definite diagnosis.

Have you experienced the same situation?