We’re all living through a difficult situation with lots of different guidelines we need to follow. Don’t worry if you’re not 100% clear on when you need to get a COVID-19 test for your child. To help clear things up we have the answers about when they need to be tested for coronavirus.
My child is unwell, should they get a test?
If you or your child has any of the main coronavirus symptoms - either a new continuous cough, a fever, or a loss of or change in smell and taste - you should get them tested.
The UK senior clinicians are keeping the symptoms that define COVID-19 under review and will continue to use evidence to adjust these if it becomes necessary.
COVID-19 Test FAQs
How do I get my child tested?
How do I get my child tested?
You can book a test online on the NHS Inform website. If you can’t book online, you can call 0800 028 2816. Anyone who has symptoms can be tested.
My child only has one of the symptoms. Do they still need a test?
My child only has one of the symptoms. Do they still need a test?
Yes. If you or your child has any of the main coronavirus symptoms - either a new continuous cough, a fever, or a loss of or change in smell and taste - you should get them tested. The UK senior clinicians are keeping the symptoms that define COVID-19 under review and will continue to use evidence to adjust these if it becomes necessary.
What is a new continuous cough?
What is a new continuous cough?
Your child needs tested if they have a cough that has lasted for more than an hour, if they have had three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours, or if they are coughing more than usual.
Do they still need tested if they have other symptoms as well?
Do they still need tested if they have other symptoms as well?
Yes. If your child has any of the main COVID-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, fever, loss of or change in smell and taste) they need tested even if they have other unrelated symptoms like a sore tummy, earache, or a snotty nose.
Do they need tested if they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms but have other symptoms instead?
Do they need tested if they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms but have other symptoms instead?
If your child doesn’t have symptoms of COVID-19 but has other cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, they don’t need to be tested. However, the UK senior clinicians are keeping the symptoms that define COVID-19 under review and will continue to use evidence to adjust these if it becomes necessary.
Their symptoms are very mild, do they still need tested?
Their symptoms are very mild, do they still need tested?
Yes. It doesn’t matter how serious the symptoms are, they still need to be tested. Even if they’re not very ill they could pass it on to others.
Is it okay to wait and see if their symptoms get worse before I take them for a test?
Is it okay to wait and see if their symptoms get worse before I take them for a test?
No. Don’t wait to get tested if you or your child shows any symptoms. You should have your child tested within three days of their symptoms starting, as tests are only effective for five days after the symptoms first appear.
Do they need to isolate while they wait for a test?
Do they need to isolate while they wait for a test?
Yes. Your child needs to self isolate and not go to school or nursery until they either test negative or they have been in self isolation for 10 days from when they first got ill. If symptoms worsen or last for more than 10 days, call 111. If they still have a fever for more than 10 days, they need to continue isolating for 48 hours after it ends.
What about their brothers and sisters? Do they have to miss school or nursery too?
What about their brothers and sisters? Do they have to miss school or nursery too?
Unfortunately everyone within the household needs to isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms. This is because they can take that long to develop and you can pass the virus on even if you don't have symptoms yet. This means any brothers or sisters need to stay off school or nursery and no one should be leaving the house unless in an emergency or to get tested.
What if my child tests positive?
What if my child tests positive?
If your child tests positive they need to isolate for 10 days from the day their symptoms first appeared. Everyone else in the house will need to isolate for 14 days from when these symptoms first appeared.
What if they test negative?
What if they test negative?
If the child that had symptoms tests negative and they are not already isolating as a ‘close contact’ of a confirmed case they can stop isolating and go back to school or nursery when they are well enough and have not had a fever for 48 hours. The rest of their household can end isolation straight away.
Does everyone else at home need tested too?
Does everyone else at home need tested too?
No. Other family members only need tested if they also develop symptoms.
I have one child who tested negative and one who tested positive. Does the child with the negative test still need to isolate?
I have one child who tested negative and one who tested positive. Does the child with the negative test still need to isolate?
Yes. If someone at home has tested positive they should isolate for 10 days from symptom start date and everyone else in their household for 14 days whether they have tested positive or not.
If my child is isolating, can I go out to get food or medicine?
If my child is isolating, can I go out to get food or medicine?
No, everyone in the household should isolate which means nobody should leave the house unless in an emergency or to get tested. Ask your family, friends, or neighbours if they can collect essentials for you like food or medicine, or arrange for things to be delivered. If you’re having trouble isolating and need support, call the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000.
It’s tough having to take your kids out of school or nursery and it’s difficult having to isolate as a household. But by following these guidelines we can all help control this virus and keep our communities safe and healthy.
Our pages on staying at home and helping your child with home and blended learning have tips to help make this a bit easier.