Your questions on children's health as they return to school have been answered by Livi's expert, Dr Rhianna McClymont

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Please note, questions have been answered and the expert is no longer available to answer new questions.

With the much-anticipated return to school now a reality, many parents have concerns about their children’s health. Whether your concerns are typical of any year or related to the effect of coronavirus, Dr Rhianna McClymont - Livi’s Lead GP - is here to help answer your questions.

Here’s some more info about Dr Rhianna McClymont: “Dr McClymont achieved a First Class Honours in Medicine. She then hit the ground running, carrying out medical, surgical and paediatric training at a number of prestigious London teaching hospitals, before specialising in General Practice. She has worked in a GP surgery in North London, and taken roles in urgent care settings, health-assessment clinics, and a digital healthcare company. Today, she works for Livi as a Lead GP as well as giving her time to the NHS.”

Here’s what Livi has to say: “If you’re a busy parent, being able to get medical advice quickly when one of your family is ill can be a real lifeline. Livi lets you see a registered GP quickly by video, at a time and place that suits you. Appointments are available seven days a week – usually within minutes, or you can book up to a week in advance. Our friendly, professional GPs can give you medical advice and prescriptions for a wide range of symptoms. You can use Livi for your children aged between 2 and 16 years old. Just register your child through the app and get instant access to medical advice when they’re feeling unwell – all without leaving home.”

So whether you’re worried about your little one’s skin rash, allergies or possible exposure to COVID-19 back at school, ask Dr McClymont your questions about children’s health.

Dr McClymont will be back between 16th and 21st September to answer your questions.

All who share a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw where three lucky Mumsnet users will each win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

*Please note this thread does not constitute personal medical advice, and please do not disclose personal health information on this forum. You should always speak to a GP/healthcare professional in person for advice specific to your situation.

My 5 year old daughter suffers with a nut allergy and asthma, is she likely to get Covid symptoms worse than other children if they actually get symptoms at that age?

My usually resilient and happy go lucky 4 year old struggled with having no nursery during lockdown and the constant change of no nursery, back to nursery, leaving nursery and now starting school. What can I do to prepare her and us, should the worst happen and schools close or she has to self isolate for any reason? Feels weird to talk about mental health of a 4 year old but don't think she could handle more change again this year.

Will the flu vacs take place this year within the school setting? I've heard conflicting reports that schools are not allowing then on site due to covid restrictions. I'm concerned as I feel this year they are more important than ever to have. Thank you

Would blended work better for High Schools? From a Covid point of view

my son seems to have a lot of sensory issues, however doesnt seem to present certain ones in his nursery (hes 3) should i still pursue this with the doctors to try to get a diagnosis or will they not consider anything as its only when with me and his dad?

How do I help my 7year olds anxiety about COVID-19? Shes crying before school, before bed, is having tantrum that rival her 3 year old sisters.
Currently I'm sleeping in her bed as it's the only way either of us get any sleep.

How can i get my kids tested if need be because they don’t have enough tests and even when they are tested it’s taking ages to come back with results, I’m already worried as the kids have already missed so much time off school and my daughter is already behind with reading especially.

I'm curious to know where you trained, Dr McClymont. The blurb at the top of the thread says you have "a First Class Honours in Medicine" (sic) but as far as I know that's not a thing - UK medicine degrees are unclassified. Does it mean your intercalated BSc was a first? I think honesty and transparency are really important for health care professionals, even - perhaps especially - when you are working outside the NHS, so would you like to clarify, and, if appropriate, correct, that?

My 6 (nearly 7) year old is desperate to wear a mask, I will not allow him. My reasons for wearing a mask in order of priority are; protecting others, because I have to, and then to protect myself. Is it correct that rebreathing your own own air (co2) is bad for us. Will this cause any long term health conditions if children were to also need/wear masks?

Why are the common colds spreading just as fast (if not faster which they seem to b at both childrens school and nursery) now when we have regimented cleaning schedules, bubble system and social distancing in place?

Is there anything I can do to prevent my children catching a cold?

How do i tell the difference between covid-19 and a common cough and cold?

how can i explain to my child the importance of social distancing

Is it worth investing in some good vitamins to help re build the children’s immune systems in light if everything going on atm?

What's the best way to keep up their lagging energy levels through the winter months?

I am concerned about how anxious my little girl is, lockdown, discussion about covid, the new school restrictions and the fact we have 4 week old baby in the house have meant lots of upheaval for our 7 year old and shes mentioned some intrusive thoughts, i have suffered with OCD from age 11 could she be starting with it also as a result of the events of this summer?

What are the best tips for help child with Autism understand how they can live with covid, having got used to being at home, now slowly going back to school really testing times

I’m worried about my daughters viral asthma when returning to school. Any tips to help her from those horrid coughs and colds?

Good Morning
My daughter Heidi has already had a common cold since the return of school (I did check with the teachers if they were comfortable with her attending) which they were! Within a week she was recovered fully however I noticed her scalp/hair never smells nice anymore even after washing it, it smells quite dusty (I hope that makes sense) her hair has lost it's shine and always looks dull.
Each time I try to get through to my local health centre during they're telephone advice times it is impossible to get connected, the lines are always busy!
Would this be a condition or could it be connected with the recent cold she had? I would really appreciate your advice please.

My children have been in school one week and my son Charlie 4 has already caught and given us all a cold , my daughter has had a sore throat with it but it has cleared up. My question is although it was just a cold if your child is complaining of a sore throat do you keep them of as a precautionary measure 🙃

Is it worth getting my child tye flu jab this year, and if so, could it help protect them against covid?

No present issues, but I am very concerned with the covid situation. I know that vitamin C and D have been bandied around as good blockers for a lot of viruses. I want to boost my grandkids immune systems. Other than vitamin C and D, which other vitamin and minerals would help with this?

Any advice on combating the dry hands that come with washing so regularly and applying alcohol based hand gel so often? My little ones hands are quite dry and sore and will only get worse with the cold weather approaching?

My 13 year old son is asthmatic and catches coughs and colds all the time in winter, will I have to get him tested every time he gets a cough?

How can I help my daughter with anxiety? She suffered before covid but his made things so much worse. I am struggling to get her into school