GP won’t see sick toddler in case Covid

[SupaTeddy]

My 3yo has some sort of flu bug and is vomiting clear liquid, runny nose and cough, he hasn’t eaten since Wed and is drinking very little. The bug started on Sat but eating and drinking didn’t stop till Wed. Multiple LFT tests are negative. I have the same bug.

GP said they will telephone today but won’t see him unless he has a negative PCR. That could take another day or two to get a result and I’m worried.

AIBU to think they should see a sick child regardless when he’s vomiting and not eating? What should I do if they won’t see him?

Those are all Covid symptoms with delta, especially in children. LFTs are useless when you have symptoms. If you go to a PCR test centre now you’ll get the results in 24 hrs

Also it sounds like nasty cold/flu virus of some sort anyway. Lots of fluids, keep warm. Not much a GP can do here

The child hasn’t eaten since Wednesday and is vomiting. The GP can review a patient and see if he needs dehydrated and needs admitting. This isn’t something most parents can accurately assess especially in toddlers!

I think your GP is being ridiculous.

If you are concerned about him breathing /losing consciousness etc or not drinking fluids take him to A and E.

re. eating/ drinking - my 5 yr old had pneumonia and literally did not eat for six days - she was weak but fine. liquid more of a concern.

The NHS website says fever, cough and loss of taste or smell. We’re coughing but no fever and we can smell and taste just fine.

Have you called111? In our LA they can make you a timed appointment with a doctor at A and E.

I have always had PCR test back within half a day.

Can they do a video call to assess him?

Two days of vomiting and drinking very little in a 3-year-old is a worry. See what they say when they phone, but if he needs to be seen he needs to be seen - dehydrated toddlers shouldn’t be waiting round for a day or two for a covid result. Tell them you are concerned about dehydration and ask what they suggest you do.

@SupaTeddy

The NHS website says fever, cough and loss of taste or smell. We’re coughing but no fever and we can smell and taste just fine.

You only need one symptom to be able to book a PCR. So the coughing alone is enough. Can you book a PCR for today?

Go get a pcr test now. Then either way you’ve got one done and results are on the way.

Not eating or drinking much is pretty normal with a lot of bugs - it’s dehydration and responsiveness you need to look at most. I am no expert but that seems to be what doctors looked at most pre covid times

@SupaTeddy

The NHS website says fever, cough and loss of taste or smell. We’re coughing but no fever and we can smell and taste just fine.

They don’t have to have all 3 symptoms for a PCR, just 1 of them.

@SupaTeddy

The NHS website says fever, cough and loss of taste or smell. We’re coughing but no fever and we can smell and taste just fine.

No. The NHS site says fever or cough or loss of taste/smell.

Your choices are to get a PCR today, or to phone 111 and explain the situation - they can get your DS an appointment in a Covid hub, where they're geared up for patients potentially having Covid.

The GP is just being cautious. If it turns out the child does have Covid, bringing him in could cause multiple staff to fall sick and may affect vulnerable patients.

You have 1 of the 3 symptoms.
You need to get a PCR and isolate until you get the results.
Ds’s done last night took 13 hours to get the result. The sooner you get it done the sooner you’ll get a result.

He's got a cough. You need to book a PCR - I'm not sure why you haven't.

If he worsens and the results haven't come back I'd imagine 111 would send you to A&E.

I feel like British GPs are behaving as ridiculously right now as soldiers who refuse to go to war because they might get shot. It's disgraceful. They're literally risking lives (and also costing lives) with stuff like this.

@SupaTeddy

The NHS website says fever, cough and loss of taste or smell. We’re coughing but no fever and we can smell and taste just fine.

No it's ANY ONE OF these symptoms.

Get him sucking on some ice pops. Honestly,mine didn't eat for that length of time and we're fine as toddlers. They bounce back quick once they start to feel bettter.

The GP should refer to the nearest 'red hub' service for medical review. In many areas they have a central urgent care GP service for people with possible Covid symptoms. This is to protect vulnerable people attending other GP surgeries. 111 should also be able to book you an appointment with this service. If your child is vomiting and not drinking they need to been seen.

In the meantime try syringing 5ml of sugary squash or dilute juice in every 5 minutes. Ice lollies can also help get fluid in. The key with vomiting and fluids is little and often otherwise they vomit all the fluid straight back up. Has your son passed urine in the last 12 hours?

what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/diarrhoea-and-vomiting

There is a nasty virus going around that is not Covid, but the symptoms overlap.

Our surgery has a separate room (through the back door) to allow patients in who need to be seen but have covid symptoms. They don't even accept a negative PCR test so with all related symptoms you have to go to the "Red Area". But I suppose they at least have some sort of solution. That's how I got my toddler seen the last couple of times. Definitely insist on someone somehow seeing your child if you are worried. Good luck x

Somebody should assess your child but not necessarily your GP. In some areas patients with possible and confirmed covid are assessed in "hot hub" clinics, booked via 111 or your GP. In other areas GPs do this.

Did your GP mention being seen elsewhere at all?

Always hesitate to criticise a colleague when I don't know the full story. But if on the phone I think a child needs seeing (or the parent isn't happy with my phone reassurance) then I will see them. If they have symptoms that could be covid we have a separate room and reception get them straight in there so they don't hang around in the WR with everyone else.

And yes true - in other areas there may be an alternative arrangement. I know a GP whose surgery is in the middle of a shopping centre - they are not allowed on public health grounds to call in patients with symptoms of covid as the only access is through the main shopping centre lift, so they are seen at a different site.

GPs are stretched as it is, and they are rightly guarding against someone coming in with C19 and potentially putting multiple staff out of action.

Get a PCR test asap and have a telephone assessment in the meantime. If there is cause to you can go to A&E.