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Original poster

DD(6) refusing Covid test - what to do?

77 replies

RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:03

Hi all, DD has come home from school with sore throat, headache and temp of 38.5. She’s flatly refusing to have a Covid test, I've tried everything. Coaxing, making it fun, offering toys/treats/rewards, doing one myself (terrified her), other bribery, guilt tripping… nothing is sticking.

Any suggestions as to what I can do?! Do one whilst she’s asleep?? Or would it work if she coughed / blew her nose really hard on a tissue then I swab that?

All suggestions as to how to get a test welcome, not interested in anyone who questions why I’m testing.

Thank you!

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 08/09/2021 19:04

It's awkward. Can you just behave as though she's positive?

Original poster
RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:06

I was thinking that but don’t even know what it means anymore! If she was positive she’d have to isolate ten days wouldn’t she? I don’t want to do that if we don’t have to, but likewise don’t want spread anything around her school (or her siblings school) unnecessarily

OP posts:
RiaOverTheRainbow · 08/09/2021 19:07

Would she do it herself? Or let you test her if she tests you? Has she told you what exactly she's worried about, so you can reassure her?

PotteringAlong · 08/09/2021 19:08

Do it when she’s asleep

Zippy1510 · 08/09/2021 19:08

We’ve had to restrain our 4 year old DS a couple of times to get it done. It’s easier when they are strapped into a car seat.

User5827372728 · 08/09/2021 19:09

I’ve been doing my sons whilst he sleeps!!! But he’s a very deep sleeper!

And no the coughing onto something won’t work.

If you really can’t do it she’ll have to isolate for 10 days!

SophiesMummySaid · 08/09/2021 19:09

Yes nose only when asleep - if you can’t get it you’ll have to behave as if she’s positive

Original poster
RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:09

I asked if she would test me and she said no, just keeps saying she won’t have it. Has made a massive fuss over it and properly worked herself up now (which I told her would happen!)

I think I have to leave at least for half an hour, but no idea how to get one after that… anyone tried the cough/sneeze … I don’t really want to do it when she’s asleep if I can help it! Has anyone done that, did it wake them up or upset them?

OP posts:
itsgettingwierd · 08/09/2021 19:10

Would she just do the nose?

I think the throat is quite scary so doing both nostrils instead is a credible alternative.

I guess whilst sleeping but it's a risk of it traumatising her.

Maybe leave it for an hour and then just say "let's have a quick wipe around your nose with this stick and then hopefully you can go back to school in a few days".

Maybe if she realises herself she could miss until the following week after next she'll be incentivised?

Shrimpseyelashes · 08/09/2021 19:10

My 6 year old did it herself after much coaxing. She point blank refused to let me near her. It was so stressful.

In the end the person at the test centre said it only needed to go up as far as her finger would if she was picking her nose which did the trick!

It was enough to get her positive result.

toomuchlaundry · 08/09/2021 19:11

If she has a cough or any other COVID symptoms, I am sure school will ask you to keep her off school for 10 days if you can't do a test

Shrimpseyelashes · 08/09/2021 19:11

They told us that kids only needed to do nose so thankfully no throat swab

Original poster
RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:12

Ok great - so people have done in sleep, this is helpful! She is a good deep sleeper, don’t want to start nightmares though… but I can’t keep her home ten days. I think if she’s not done one by tomorrow I will book her a PCR and we will take her there to be done instead. She’ll hate it so much that maybe she’ll let me do one next time? I guess if it’s positive we will have to pcr anyway so maybe it skips a step?

OP posts:
Original poster
RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:13

Trying to persuade her to do the nose herself…. She’s reading my messages now and has cottoned on!!

OP posts:
SavoyCabbage · 08/09/2021 19:13

I was going to say just jump straight to the PCR. I know a few people who have had to do this.

MoreHairyThanScary · 08/09/2021 19:13

If she has symptoms she should be getting a PCR anyway as lft's are not as reliable I would just cut out the middle man and get a PCR

MrsOrMiss · 08/09/2021 19:15

You can just do the nose part, hopefully for 10 seconds making sure you get lots of snot. Tell her she's a snot/bogey miner, see if that helps.

AlexaShutUp · 08/09/2021 19:17

Yes, straight to PCR if she has symptoms, and if she won't cooperate, you'll have to isolate her for 10 days anyway.

Original poster
RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:20

I think you’re all right, I think I’m going to have to take her to PCR.

Those of you whose kids have had, does it sound similar re symptoms? I know it could be any bug, they went back on Monday and so far I’m not aware of anyone being ill

OP posts:
Potcallingkettle · 08/09/2021 19:22

A lateral flow test is for asymptomatic testing so if she has symptoms, you need to go straight for a a PCR test anyway. If school sent her home, they’ll want to know you’ve got a negative PCR not lfd.

TheNarwhalBalloon · 08/09/2021 19:22

She's got symptoms and needs a PCR not an LFT.
The person who advises to get 'lots of snot' is mistaken - you should blow your nose before a test to clear excess mucus.

mistermagpie · 08/09/2021 19:25

Go for the PCR, take chocolate and a phone/tablet with something she likes on it. Just do the nose. I had to do my 1,4 and 6 year olds last week and it was truly awful but it's only 30 seconds out of their lives (the 6 year old was positive).

Original poster
RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:27

Fck. The govt testing site is saying there is a technical problem and they can’t confirm the appt.

OP posts:
Original poster
RoseStar · 08/09/2021 19:27

Sorry, there is a technical problem

We could not process your answers. Your details are saved, please try again.

OP posts:
Remmy123 · 08/09/2021 19:28

In her sleep?

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