Coronavirus in Children
Call 111 or your GP surgery if your child:
- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a fever
- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a fever
- has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature (fever)
- has a high temperature that’s lasted for 5 days or more
- loss of or change to your sense of smell or taste as well please
- does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and you’re worried
- has a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol
- is dehydrated – for example, nappies are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they’re crying
Call 999 if your child:
- has a stiff neck
- has a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it (use the “glass test” from Meningitis Now)
- is bothered by light
- has a seizure or fit for the first time (they cannot stop shaking)
- has unusually cold hands and feet
- has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin
- has a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their usual cry
- is drowsy and hard to wake
- is extremely agitated (does not stop crying) or is confused
- finds it hard to breathe and sucks their stomach in under their ribs
- has a soft spot on their head that curves outwards
- is not responding like they usually do, or not interested in feeding or usual activities
Who can ask for a test
You can ask for a test:
- for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
- for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms. Tests are only available for children over 5
Ask for a coronavirus test
NHS Covid-19 = https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
NELC Covid-19 = https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/covid-19-advice-and-guidance/
Young Mind Matter and Covid-19 = https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/coronavirus-and-mental-health/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8bDw1sS_6QIVAu7tCh2f-ApMEAAYAiAAEgJmf_D_BwE
Mental Health UK Covid-19 = https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/covid-19-and-your-mental-health/
Friendship at Home = http://www.friendshipathome.org.uk/
Domestic violence and abuse Covid-19 = https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/