Coronavirus in Children
Children can get coronavirus (COVID-19), but they seem to get it less often than adults and it’s usually less serious.
What to do if your child has symptoms of coronavirus
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
high temperature
new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal
Urgent advice:
Use the 111 online coronavirus service if your child is 5 or over. Call 111 if they are under 5.
What to do if your child seems very unwell
Children and babies will still get illnesses that can make them very unwell quickly. It’s important to get medical help if you need it.
Urgent advice: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
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
Immediate action required: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
The contents of this post are from the NHS Website relating to Coronavirus.