Advice for Parent during coronavirus
Whilst coronavirus is infectious to children it is rarely serious. If your child is unwell it is likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself.
Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured.
Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done.
We hope that this chart will help:
FURTHER INFORMATION
Here is some further information to help answer questions from local parents:
What does it look and sound as if my child is having difficulty breathing?
If your child is having severe difficulty in breathing they might make a grunting sound.
https://what0-18.nhs.uk/resources/clips-abnormal-signs-babies/grunt
If your child is finding it hard to breathe they might suck their stomach in under their ribs, at their neck or between their ribs https://what0-18.nhs.uk/resources/clips-abnormal-signs-babies/recession or they might start head bobbing https://what0-18.nhs.uk/resources/clips-abnormal-signsbabies/head-bobbing
How do I do the ‘glass test’ and what does the rash look like?
Here is a quick video of what the glass test looks like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcQGlv0dUOY
St John’s Ambulance explains the symptoms of Meningitis and how to do the glass test in the video boow:
What does the Coronavirus cough sound like?
Laura Foster, BBC News’ Health and Science Reporter, explains the cough and fever symptoms of coronavirus in adults [children might have a fever or show other signs of illness such as a headache, tummy ache, vomiting or diarrhoea with no cough].
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-51934576/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-coronavirus
When should I worry if my child has symptoms of coronavirus?
Children can get coronavirus (COVID-19), but they seem to get it less often than adults and it’s usually less serious. See the NHS advice for parents and what to do if your child has some of the coronavirus symptoms.
https://what0-18.nhs.uk/popular-topics/coronavirus
Can I give my child ibuprofen to help with coronavirus symptoms?
‘Parents can give either paracetamol or ibuprofen, if needed, to treat symptoms of fever or pain unless your doctor has told you paracetamol or ibuprofen is not suitable for your child.
https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/anti-inflammatory-medicines-covid-19-advice-parents-carers
What are the at risk health conditions for children?
‘Protecting your child from infection including shielding the most vulnerable’ has advice for parents on children who are at higher risk of getting a severe infection.
https://what0-18.nhs.uk/populartopics/coronavirus
How do I know if my child has severe asthma?
For advice on what counts as high-risk asthma see the shielding advice for very high-risk groups.
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/shielding-advice-high-risk/
What should I do about routine vaccinations?
GP surgeries are making special efforts to make it safe for babies and children to still have their vaccinations e.g. using a separate entrance. It is important that your child still has their routine vaccinations. Contact your GP if you know your child is due to a routine vaccination.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/booking-your-childs-vaccination-appointment/
How can I get an emergency dentist appointment for my child?
In England, some routine dental treatments are available again. Call or email your dentist. If you need urgent dental treatment, call your dentist or use NHS 111 online.
https://www.nhs.uk/commonhealth-questions/dental-health/how-can-i-access-an-nhs-dentist-in-a-emergency-or-out-of-hours/
What if I’m worried about my children’s mental health?
Good Thinking provides mental health and wellbeing advice for parents in London. They also have specific resources for autism, eating disorders and ADHD.
https://www.goodthinking.uk/coronavirus/advice-for/