What if DD is still coughing after 7 days?

[CLS81]

If you've self-isolated for 7 days due to having a cough, but at the end of the 7 days you are still coughing, what do you do? Go back out into the world or stay home until the cough stops completely?

My DD (8) has been off school since Wednesday with a stuffy nose, cough, general aches and pains, but no fever. Her school have said not to bring her back in until Wednesday, which is fine. However, whilst she seems a little more herself, her cough isn't shifting. I'm wondering if I send her back on Wednesday they will just tell me to take her back home again.

You ring 111 and ask for advice.

Someone I know who is in this situation has been advised to keep isolating for another 7 days. I think it’s obvious that no one should be going out if they’re unwell at the moment. Even if it’s not corona you could pass whatever bug it is onto someone else who may have low immunity anyway (like me) and corona would then kill them off.

We’ve been told to return to work (NHS) even if still coughing, as long as the fever has subsided.

I was reading up about this on Fri and the online medical advice I found was if cough is the only symptom then to self isolate for 7 days then no need to after if cough still present. I'll see if I can find one of the info bits I found...

When ds has a cough it lasts for weeks / months, I'm pretty sure he's not the only child this happens too!

I don't think he's ever had a cough clear up in 7 days.

Here are the bits I saved

Here’s the detailed official advice:

“You should remain at home until 7 days after the onset of your symptoms. After 7 days, if you feel better and no longer have a high temperature, you can return to your normal routine. If you have not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, call NHS 111.

Coughing may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean you must continue to self-isolate for more than 7 days”

Web link to the full, very detailed advice on self-isolation here

When ds has a cough it lasts for weeks / months, I'm pretty sure he's not the only child this happens too!
We’re on about week 8 of DS’ cough currently!

I agree that whenever my DC have had coughs they last weeks. It's just that there is so much conflicting, ever-changing advice, and you start to doubt your judgement a bit.

Thanks for the info all, very helpful.