Yet another covid test?

[Iambouddicca]

So DS (4) has a high temperature - again. He was in the process of having a possible recurrent fever syndrome investigated/diagnosed before covid cancelled all his appointments.

So far we have self isolated as a family 5 times due to his temperature episodes. DS has had three covid tests which have all been negative. (the first two episodes occurred before public testing was available) The last one was just last week when he picked up a cold in his first week of reception. So far he has managed 2 full days at school this term. His siblings have also missed lots of school already.

So this morning he has another temperature which I'm sure is either his recurrent fever syndrome or a secondary infection from last weeks cold.

I am loathe to put him through yet another covid test - he has no ASD diagnosis as yet but he has lots of traits and a fear of medical tests is an issue (because of lots of blood tests etc due to his fever syndrome...) it is becoming harder and harder to take a test from him. To take a test from him will require DH to restrain him in a headlock while I take the swab. It's not fair.

But neither is it fair for his siblings to miss yet more school (never mind the upset to me and DHs plans for the week).

I'm at a loss - WWYD? - We are in an area with very few covid cases if that makes a difference?

You either have to take the test or self isolate for the full period.

It is hard, but those are the only two choices.

Agree. Test or isolation or you call GP that they could confirm that this is not COVID related. I still feel for you. It must be really difficult.

But the only way the GP could confirm it is not COVID related is after a test, otherwise she/he is just assuming. The might be 99% certain it isn't but schools will not want to take even 1% chance.

Just self isolate

Does anyone know what the rules are on fines for attendance if you decide not to get tested?

@Iambouddicca

Does anyone know what the rules are on fines for attendance if you decide not to get tested?

I would not advise it. It puts the teachers and other learners at risk.

Surely he'll just get sent home if you send him in and the school will advise him to be tested or isolate?

I feel you. We got to day 7 before the middle child got a cough and due to the utter fuck ups with getting a test (culminating in a courier who hasn't turned up so our test is void) we are all off for the two weeks now.

Unfortunately test or isolate are your options, you have no way of knowing if one of these temps is Covid without a swab result.

Does the school know about his temperature? Perhaps he just had a cold or a stomach bug? You know this isn't fair on your other kids. We shouldn't have to, but I would absolutely lie under the circumstances. The NHS is letting you down by not investigating. The government is letting you down with testing. This is not your doing.

sorry I mean - if we decide to isolate rather than test will we be fined for the siblings non attendance at school? on the grounds that if we had tested him they could go in?

@Iambouddicca

sorry I mean - if we decide to isolate rather than test will we be fined for the siblings non attendance at school? on the grounds that if we had tested him they could go in?

Just state that you isolate due to the sibling's temperature.

@leafinthewind

Does the school know about his temperature? Perhaps he just had a cold or a stomach bug? You know this isn't fair on your other kids. We shouldn't have to, but I would absolutely lie under the circumstances. The NHS is letting you down by not investigating. The government is letting you down with testing. This is not your doing.

I understand this is difficult, however if more people will cover the illness, the Covid spreads quicker in schools and will eventually cause schools closures.

Feel for you, we’re on second isolation awaiting test results for our 4 year old. She had a temp first day back and got one overnight last night. It’s just standard back to school bugs but means we all have to stay off (2 other primary chn and 2 primary school teachers) it’s mega inconvenient and tedious but is the only way to ensure things aren’t being spread around. I’d keep testing than enforce isolation on yourselves for 14 days

I think you need to take this further. Speak to all the schools involved and explain the situation and see if you can come to some agreement. Maybe keep DS home, send the others in, be mindful at home how they interact. WFH if you can & cancel any social plans.

I'd ask DS's school if they can hold a place for him if you keep him home this term.

Definitely speak to whoever you can re getting the various diagnosis moving again!

Hope you can get sorted, you can't keep testing the poor wee thing.

I think you need to try getting hold of the doctors and chasing up the ‘recurrent fever’ syndrome and diagnosis. Probably the best thing is to communicate with the school fully. I should think they’d share your frustration about the other kids missing school.

I hope your DS feels better soon. This article might help you and others decide whether your child has a cold or possible Covid:
covid.joinzoe.com/post/back-to-school
I can't be the only family being regularly tested by ONS and reporting in daily to the Covid-19-Zoe study. If only a few more families joined up too - it takes minimal effort to log your location and health each day for the family. covid.joinzoe.com/about

I think you need to phone your GP and outline what is happening and go by what they say. If there has been no change in symptoms that your 4 year old is displaying from the past times he was tested......

With luck the rest of the family will be back at school/work by the afternoon.

Is there no provision for your little one to join in some school activities remotely? Surely they have some provision/contingency planning in place?

I would also ring your GP and maybe he could write a letter explaining the situation so your other children can attend school. There are no fines for those self isolating and not getting tested, some are not able to get tests.

Thanks @Madcats thats a really helpful article.

We are going to have to get him tested :(