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Original poster

Have you been getting PCR tests for your kids?

56 replies

OttilieStonelady · 31/07/2021 20:13

My child (3) has been unwell with high temperatures about 6 times over the last two months. I can't keep taking 3 days off work every 2/3 weeks. I have done so far but it's getting ridiculous. My question, is there an alternative? I feel like I'm becoming a huge pain at work. Also, would you be worried about that many temps (all accompanied by runny nose) in two months?

OP posts:
Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 31/07/2021 20:14

His temp is pretty much always better by the next day and he's just left a bit snuffly. I'm just exhausted by it all..

OP posts:
clickychicky · 31/07/2021 20:15

I'm in similar position. Banned from nursery with any symptoms until you get a PCR test result. I can see why it's just not great for my employer.

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 31/07/2021 20:16

@clickychicky

I'm in similar position. Banned from nursery with any symptoms until you get a PCR test result. I can see why it's just not great for my employer.
It's so hard. When I drive up to the test site now my lo panics and starts screaming. At home PCR takes ages. Worried I'm going to be disciplined for it.
OP posts:
clickychicky · 31/07/2021 20:18

Me too. I don't know what to do. Every time there's a cough etc it's off to the centre or a postal PCR and then the results can take days! Really hard to take a sample too.

clickychicky · 31/07/2021 20:19

I'm keeping all the test emails so I have some sort of proof but don't know if that helps or not.

Carycy · 31/07/2021 20:20

I don’t think you could be disciplined for it. It would’nt look good on them in a pandemic. I have stopped testing mine. We haven’t been off that many times but we have been off enough. That’s quite a bad run.

SwanShaped · 31/07/2021 20:23

We’re in the same position. Had two in two weeks. And plenty more. I’m hoping they ditch the testing soon. We have to send proof of the negative PCR before she can go back to nursery. So we’re stuck. She also hates it and screams. I wish testing would just do one.

Nikki305 · 31/07/2021 20:25

We have been similar in our house. PCR every 3 weeks ish for the past year.
It's not sustainable. Someone needs to realise this. It's also horrendous testing little ones that frequently, they get so scared about the whole thing.
I don't know what the answer is but something needs to change

SwanShaped · 31/07/2021 20:32

The thing is, that it’s clear from all of us having to test so frequently, that you can’t really stop the viruses going round the little kids. Maybe it works with adults. But it seems pointless with the snotty little ones.

clickychicky · 31/07/2021 20:34

They need a test you can wee on or something.

TellMeHowYouMet · 31/07/2021 20:37

Yep. It's a bloody nightmare!

somuchcoffeeneeded · 31/07/2021 20:39

If you’re using paid for childcare then you’ll need to adhere to their rules or find an alternative.

whatswithtodaytoday · 31/07/2021 20:42

It's a total pain, but yes - he can't go back to nursery without a negative test. And he always seems to spike a fever after his nap... I've started to dread my phone ringing at 3pm on work days.

Mine also starts having a meltdown as soon as he sees the testing centre.

Lazypuppy · 31/07/2021 20:42

I don't do it anymore, i've waited to see if dds temp has gone down the next morning, if not i'll take her for a PCR, if temp has gone then i don't

Tonkerbea · 31/07/2021 20:43

I heard on Radio 4 a test where you spit and it uses your saliva was developed with good accuracy, but we bought a fuck ton of LFs so we're stuck with them.

Moonlaserbearwolf · 31/07/2021 20:51

6 temperatures in 2 months sounds like a lot to me. I would speak to a GP in case he has a chronic infection. He is absolutely fine in between the fevers?

clickychicky · 31/07/2021 20:54

@somuchcoffeeneeded

If you’re using paid for childcare then you’ll need to adhere to their rules or find an alternative.
Oh yes I get why they do it. Am considering going part time so I know at least two days I'll be at home anyway.
intothewoodss · 31/07/2021 20:55

@Moonlaserbearwolf

6 temperatures in 2 months sounds like a lot to me. I would speak to a GP in case he has a chronic infection. He is absolutely fine in between the fevers?
I thought the same. Six fevers in two months is definitely not normal for a child that age.
cls123 · 31/07/2021 20:58

what are you defining as a high temperature, plus what type of thermometer are you using? it may just be "normal bugs" of which there are always tons going round at nursery ( i had a problem with my work 10+ yrs ago as had to repeatedly take time off with my kids) but always worth checking with your GP if you have any concerns. Any problems with wees as some kids can have chronic "silent" UTI's which might sometimes spike a temp;also has he got all his teeth in, if he's still teething molars this might cause temp and snuffles?

Undersnatch · 31/07/2021 21:02

I agree that this is unsustainable testing little kids all the time. Our older has covid just now and wee one has been tested twice, second one was unclear and I’m not doing it to her again. We have to isolate anyway. I’d rather know if she had it but it’s horrific pinning her down.

Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 31/07/2021 21:25

@Moonlaserbearwolf

6 temperatures in 2 months sounds like a lot to me. I would speak to a GP in case he has a chronic infection. He is absolutely fine in between the fevers?
Absolutely fine. He's super tall, growing really well, cheerful, happy kid.
OP posts:
Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 31/07/2021 21:26

@cls123

what are you defining as a high temperature, plus what type of thermometer are you using? it may just be "normal bugs" of which there are always tons going round at nursery ( i had a problem with my work 10+ yrs ago as had to repeatedly take time off with my kids) but always worth checking with your GP if you have any concerns. Any problems with wees as some kids can have chronic "silent" UTI's which might sometimes spike a temp;also has he got all his teeth in, if he's still teething molars this might cause temp and snuffles?
Always at least 38. 39.5 this evening.
OP posts:
Original poster
OttilieStonelady · 31/07/2021 21:27

@cls123

what are you defining as a high temperature, plus what type of thermometer are you using? it may just be "normal bugs" of which there are always tons going round at nursery ( i had a problem with my work 10+ yrs ago as had to repeatedly take time off with my kids) but always worth checking with your GP if you have any concerns. Any problems with wees as some kids can have chronic "silent" UTI's which might sometimes spike a temp;also has he got all his teeth in, if he's still teething molars this might cause temp and snuffles?
Oh and using standard thermometer under his arm
OP posts:
SwanShaped · 31/07/2021 21:28

My daughter spikes a temp really easily too. Average about once a month for a while. Every time she’ll get a temp of over 40. Totally fine in between so I’ve just decided it’s something she’ll grow out of.

PolkadotSkies · 31/07/2021 21:49

The tests are appalling for children. I refuse to do any more on them now. If they come up with a solution that's not distressing for them then fine, otherwise no.