Summary of HSE guideline with regards sick children….. September 2020

A CHILD CAN GO TO SCHOOL IF ….
They have a runny nose or sneezing, but are otherwise happy and well

They must have a normal temperature (less than 37.5 degrees), no cough and no difficulty breathing, without loss or change in taste or smell.

If they develop any other symptoms in the following days then they should not attend school!

YOUR CHILD SHOULD NOT GO TO SCHOOL BUT SHOULD BE MONITORED AT HOME BY A PARENT OR CARER FOR 48 HOURS IF….

Your child is mildly unwell but their temperature is less than 38 degrees

If they have no cough, no difficulty breathing and normal sense of taste and smell, IT IS UNLIKELY TO BE COVID. However, it is advised that they should stay at home with a parent or carer for the next 48 hours, in case they develop other symptoms. They do not need a swab, so the you do not need to contact your GP (Yet!). After 48 hours, if they are still the same or better, and they do not require paracetamol of ibuprofen – they can return to school.

Their parents can go to work, and siblings can go to school and play sports. Please don’t ask vulnerable people such as grandparents to look after them in this case, as they could become unwell within the next48 hrs – maybe they are an early Covid?

Telephone your GP if your child worsens, or develops symptoms suggestive of covid (see below)- They may need a swab.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD NOT GO TO SCHOOL? WHEN SHOULD I PHONE MY GP?

Fever of 38 degrees or higher
A new cough or worsening of an underlying chest condition such as asthma
Difficulty breathing
Change or loss of sense of taste or smell.

This could be Covid 19 – Remember you only need to have ANY ONE of the above to be concerned

They must stay at home and isolate. No School is allowed until you telephone your GP, who will tell you what to do next. They may need a Covid Swab. Stay away from Grandparents!

The rest of the child’s household should also stay at home, at least until they are further advised by the GP. This will of course cause many problems with regards work and sports, etc. within the family, but is vital.

If your child appears seriously unwell or is months of age, it is very important to discuss with a GP urgently. 999 is also available if you are very concerned. Your doctor will assess the Covid risk before deciding how best review your child. While most GP surgeries are trying their best to minimise Covid risk to both their staff and most vulnerable patients, if your child is very unwell, they will be seen.

Housekeeping:
Children should also not go to school if:

• Someone in their household is unwell with symptoms of Covid19
• If they are told they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid19.
• If they have returned from a country that is not on the green list within the last 14 days

Temperature refers to how hot your child is before PARACETAMOL (Calpol) or IBUPROFEN (Nurofen)