Ds has squits, stomach cramps and a temp of 37.4 - test?

[balzamico]

Ds is 13. Has been a bit squitty for a couple of days (not that unusual), today says he has intermittent stomach cramps. I've just taken his temp which is 37.4.
I think I'll keep him off school tomorrow anyway to see how his stomach is but I'm wondering whether to get a covid test (I am aware that he doesn't totally fill the criteria so may be over cautious)
We were in tier 3 until today.

mild diarrheoa is a common 1st sign amongst my cv19 positive friends and family

sore throat?
headache?

Yes, the trots are a symptom

You need 48 hours clear of the shits before returning to school. Be mindful of things like appendicitis too

Yes get a test. My ds was similar and tested positive, and now DP and I are both very unwell. Good luck.

Yes, we have only had two positive (confirmed anyway) cases in my schools so far and both began with stomach.

Hope all will be well for you.

Everything can be a symptom! Sometimes people do get other viruses, you know ... Personally I wouldn't test until sore throat, cough, loss of smell/taste, or a higher temperature. But that's just me.

@Northernsoullover

You need 48 hours clear of the shits before returning to school. Be mindful of things like appendicitis too

Yes, i came to say you should keep them off with diarrhoea anyway. Last thing schools need right now is D&V to sweep through as well.

No need to test until he has a one of the other symptoms. 37.4 is not a temperature.

However as you are doing, it's a good idea to keep him off school to see how he goes over the next 24hrs as like.others have said an upset tum can be a symptom. And if not he should be off anyway if it's proper diarrhea.

Why on earth would you send him to school with diarrhoea, COVID or not?

My first symptoms were stomach pain and diarrhoea. I didn’t get any of the 3 main symptoms until after I’d tested positive.

It was definitely my initial symptom.

Only a home-test, you could spread Noro around otherwise.

No, he doesn't have a symptom they want you tested for. Temperature has to be 37.8 or above.

Make sure he at least drinks enough to replace the fluids he is losing.
He should not go back to school until 48hours after his last loose stool.

37.4 is not even a low grade temp, and shits and cramps are not symptoms of covid. So why would you have a test? obviously keep him off school because norovirus is contagious

@Charlottejade89 shits and cramps most definitely are symptoms of covid. They just aren't the ones that you are meant to test with. It makes me extremely angry that the government has not widened this criteria and then they wonder how its still spreading so widely. People are incredibly vociferous about not following rules (you only need to see the Christmas threads) yet when it comes to testing mumsnetters aplenty pillory those who test if they don't have one of the big 3.
My man on the street advice is if you have unexplained symptoms rule covid out before carrying on regardless. Don't test if you have zero symptoms just because your neighbour/friend/childs school group have tested positive. That really IS a waste of fucking time and resources.

Diarrhoea is apparently a far more common symptom in children than fever/cough/loss of taste or smell.

If I was cynical I might suggest they haven't adjusted the symptoms they recommend testing children with intentionally as it suits their libe that children don't catch it as readily. But I'm not cynical so ud never suggest such a thing

The temperature is “hot to the touch”. There is not a specific temperature.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

37.4 is not a temperate a temperature is in excess of 37.8.

The gov are being crystal clear and I’m not sure why people just aren’t getting it!

• does he have a temp?

-does he have a new and persistent cough?

• has he lost his sense of smell or taste?

Unless the answer to one of those questions is a clear YES then NO he doesn’t need to waste a test that’s already in short supply.

If you try to book one online it’ll ask you which of these symptoms he has so you’ll have to lie to get the test in the first place

@Pumpertrumper the government are crystal clear. See the NHS link above your post.
Hot to touch.

[quote Tomatoandbasil]The temperature is “hot to the touch”. There is not a specific temperature.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/[/quote]
Actually yes as a previous poster said it's quite clear tfst you should judge it on feeling hot to the touch and you don't need to measure the temperature. Some people have a natural body temperature nearer 36 degrees, so for them 37.4 is indeed a fairly raised temperature and could be an indication illness.

@Pumpertrumper its not a waste of a test if they have symptoms that might be covid. Its a waste if people have zero symptoms and trust me there are plenty of the 'worried well' testing.

Mine started with stomach pain, diarrhoea, hot and then cold, my doctor told me to get tested whilst speaking to him about another matter. Waited ten days for result to be told it couldn't be read, meanwhile the people who I had been with days before, all tested positive.

I tested positive last Monday and diarrhoea was my first symptom. My temperature has spiked once and I've not got a cough.
The diarrhoea has remained throughout.

Mild diarrhoea (not norovirus like in any way), nausea and fatigue were my only symptoms for 6 days. Day 7 I got a feeling of tightness in my chest. My temp went as high as 37.8 on one day.

He's fine now by the way. No further upset stomach