Sorry to ask...I know it's been done x 1000...but do my DC need a test?

[twinklychristmaslights]

My DC have had zero symptoms of anything since March. Not a sniffle, tummy ache, nothing.

Oldest DC started with a stuffy nose yesterday and it's now alternating between stuffy and slightly runny. No other symptoms other than a bit tired and a couple of sneezes too.

Younger DC has tonight started with a tickle in her throat and she has coughed a few times to try and clear the tickle.

In normal times, I wouldn't bat and eyelid and even now I am 99% sure it's a cold...BUT because younger DC is coughing a little - albeit to clear a tickle - does she need a test?

Both are late primary age.

Sounds like a cold. See if it develops into anything further tomorrow, but at the moment they don’t qualify for an NHS test based on the 3 symptoms - continuous cough, temperature of loss of taste/smell. That said, people have tested positive with very minor symptoms and other symptoms such as sore throat, headache etc. Not to mention all the people who have no symptoms at all.
So it’s possible it’s covid. If you’re about to visit relatives and are worried, you can always get a private test to put your mind at rest - or not visit them.

Tbh given the situation were in at the moment if it were my dc I'd probably get them tested anyway. Children often show different symptoms than adults and can spread it without knowing. This higher transmitting varient thats circulating makes more important we should get tested if there's the slightest of symptoms. It will probably be negative but at least will put your mind at rest

I tested positive for covid on friday with just a tiny tickly cough, i feel like i have a nasty cold now though. My daughter has tested positive with no symptoms whatsoever and she still feels fine.
If you can get the test then i would.

My dd had covid in November,'presented like a cold.

Get a test 😊

Thanks all!

It was the fact that the presentation seems to be different in children that made me question it.

I just want to do the right thing, whilst at the same time not being a paranoid parent or clogging up the system!

I tested positive today with diarrhoea and a sore throat. I'd get them tested. I'm hearing about a lot of people who are testing positive and they don't have the main symptoms

almost certainly 'just' a cold. I'd just stay at home and see what happens for now but I definitely wouldn't go anywhere near family or anyone else for that matter without a negative test.

Get a test. Mine started with a throat tickle and a cough to clear it. Some are presenting with cold symptoms also

Advice I got from the NHS earlier in the week is a new cough is a new cough. So I'd say the one with the tickly cough almost certainly needs one. The other one is up to you I guess. Runny nose and tiredness are very common symptoms of covid, so it might be worthwhile.

Has she coughed more than 3 times in 24 hrs? If so she meets the criteria for a test.

Yes book a test. Children don’t always show the most obvious symptoms.

I started with a cold so yes test

Thanks all. One definitely has a new cough now - albeit due to the tickle - have a test booked in tomorrow morning for them both.

Fingers crossed for you that it’s negative.

Results back 48 hours later - negative. Phew!