Covid Testing for Children
At the moment this appears to be the million dollar question on every parent’s lips. As the Covid 19 restrictions were lifted and schools reopened, children began to mix more than they ever have in the last 18 or so months. With the mixing of children, there is bound to be a mixing of bugs and germs. But has your child picked up a regular cold virus or have they contracted Covid 19? With this in mind, we asked our resident GP at Broadgate GP to answer some of the frequently asked questions around children and Covid 19 tests.
What To Do If Your Child Has Symptoms?
Of course children can get Covid 19, however their symptoms are often not as serious as those of an adult. It is the government guidelines that if your child (or yourself) have symptoms you should isolate and book a PCR test. The 3 main symptoms of Covid 19 are:
- A high temperature
- A new, continuous cough
- A loss or change to the sense of smell and taste
When Should I Request a Covid 19 Test?
During the autumn and winter months, children tend to pick up illnesses quickly, this is because there are more illnesses and viruses circulating. If your child develops any of the three main symptoms listed above, it is important you get your child tested. While these are the three main symptoms of Covid 19, you should air on the side of caution as the different strains do tend to have slightly different symptoms. For example, the Delta variant of Covid 19 is reported to present symptoms that are similar to a cold, including headaches, sneezing, runny noses and sore throats.
While the advice from the government is to request a PCR test if you present with one of the three main symptoms, however, if in doubt there is no harm in requesting a test. Better to be safe than sorry.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Result
Covid 19 test results tend to come back within 24 – 48 hours if you visit an NHS test site. Home tests can take around 72 hours to come back, however it can take up to 5 days. While the wait isn’t always ideal, as your child can miss school, social events, hobbies and more, it is the government advice that you should stay at home and self isolate to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
What Happens If My Child Tests Positive?
If your child has a positive Covid 19 test result, don’t panic. As mentioned earlier, children tend to get a milder version of the virus and it shouldn’t be too debilitating for them. If your child does test positive:
- Your child should continue to stay at home and isolate for 10 days from their first symptom
- If your child had no symptoms, your child should continue to isolate for 10 days from the positive test result
- Let your child’s nursery, school, college or family close contacts know straight away
A member of the NHS Test and Trace team will be in contact with you to identify who has been a close contact of your child. The latest government information advises that if your child tests positive and is isolating you only need to isolate with them if:
- You are not double jabbed (fully vaccinated)
- You develop coronavirus symptoms yourself
- You too have tested positive
Any other children, aged 18 and under, who live at home with you and do not have Covid 19 symptoms do not need to be isolated unless they develop symptoms or have a positive result.
My Child Appears To Be Unwell, What Should I Do?
Although children can contract coronavirus, their illness is generally mild. However in the rare case that your child does become unwell be sure to seek immediate medical advice. You can call a GP or NHS111 for advice.
You should call 999 and request urgent medical attention if your child has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Becomes unusually drowsy, appear to be confused, difficult to rouse or are unconscious
- Are not drinking fluids or passing urine
- Are choking
- Appears to be having a fit
- Severe bleeding
My Child Has Tested Negative, What Happens Now?
If your child receives a negative test, then it is business as usual. They can stop isolating, go back to school when they feel better, and continue to enjoy their social activities.
I Have Covid 19 Symptoms Can My Child Go To School?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. Since the official advice and guidelines changed on August 16th 2021, your child no longer needs to be isolated if you have symptoms of coronavirus. However, while they can go to school it is essential that you get someone else to take them to school, or if you need to take them to school yourself you do not leave the vehicle that you are travelling in. This reduces the risk of coronavirus transmission.
