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

[JustineBMumsnet]

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

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*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.

@emilygal

Oh and is there any kind of supplement worth giving kids to boost their immune system going back in, particularly with COVID being about?

There isn't a specific supplement that will 'boost' an immune system - general health is key, achieved through a good diet, activity, plenty of sleep and happiness. Your local pharmacist can recommend a multivitamin preparation if you're keen but this isn't a cure-all or a substitute for varied nutrient-rich foods, a run in the park, and smiles.

@blimby

Should children who have gone back to school avoid visiting elderly relatives?

Government guidelines are ever-evolving, but the elderly are particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19, and therefore all reasonable measures should be served to protect them. In times of laxer restrictions, this is a judgement call. Employing safe social distancing measures is probably the minimum that could be done.

@PickledChicory

Are the any vitamins, supplements or probiotics that would help boost my childrens immune system?

There isn't a specific food or supplement that will 'boost' an immune system - general health is key, achieved through a good diet, exercise/activity and plenty of sleep. Your local pharmacist can recommend a multivitamin preparation if you're keen but this isn't a cure-all or a substitute for varied nutrient-rich foods - and a child who is eating a healthy, varied diet should be getting all of the vitamins they need from their food.

@muppet1501

My daughter has asthma (controlled( and severe anxiety. What are the best methods for helping her control her anxiety. This year hasn't helped as you can understand but also she is year 11 and if GCSE's go ahead, this could have a negative effect on it as well.

Make sure you talk through her anxieties to see if there are specific triggers you can address together, and give her time to air any worries she may have. If her anxiety is severely impacting upon her schooling or daily life then I recommend a chat with her GP. CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can be very useful for anxiety and children can access this through a referral from their GP to a child and adolescent mental health service.

@juju3

My granddaughter consumes large amounts of ketchup with every meal - is this likely to be harmful

Ketchup contains a lot of sugar and other food additives, so I would try and encourage her to consume less of it. Perhaps you could make a homemade version of ketchup together which could be healthier?

@sm2012

My 11 year old DD keeps complaining of joint pain, could this be growing pains or is this not a real thing?!

Growing pains are real, but I am afraid I cannot diagnose her as having them without taking a more thorough history and examining her. There are many different things that could cause aching knees. Growing pains are usually an aching or throbbing in the legs, commonly in the evenings or night times. It is most often felt in the muscular areas of the legs rather than the joints (like knees). Usually they stop by the time a child is 12yrs. They can often be relieved by massage and simple over-the-counter painkillers. It would be best for you to book an appointment to discuss this with your daughter’s GP, who can also examine her knees.

@badgermum

My Son suffered from Whopping cough last winter, would this be likely to cause more complications if he went on to contract Covid-19

We are still learning about COVID-19, but a history of whooping cough is unlikely to be significant.

@sezz35

is getting the flu jab a good idea?

This year, the flu vaccine will be available for all children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2020, all primary school children, all year 7 children, and all children aged 2-17yrs with long term health condition. Yes, I would advise that any child eligible on the above criteria receive the flu vaccine.

@welshmardymum

My daughter is a teenager and has to wear a mask at times in school - any tips for how to stop skin breakouts - she has quite oily skin and exfoliate and washes her face twice a day .... you know how one spot can BE THE END OF THE WORLD at that age!

Most of us suffer with acne to some degree, but it's obviously much more common in adolescence. I would take an approach that's mindful of this, and reassure her that she's not alone! Good first steps in treatments for mild acne include products that contain benzoyl peroxide. This is available from pharmacies in 5% strength, and some common skincare brands such as Neutrogena or Clearasil also contain benzoyl peroxide in a weaker form. It works as an antiseptic on the skin to reduce bacteria and thus reduce acne breakouts. If her acne is more severe then there are various creams available on prescription which your GP, or a Livi GP, would be able to help with.

@TLAF

Is it normal for children to have new moles at the end of summer?

Yes, it’s quite common for new moles to appear in childhood. A worrying mole is one that has a very irregular border, irregular colour within the mole, is rapidly growing, is itchy/painful, or bleeding. If any of these signs occur you should get the mole checked by a doctor.

@gemmacarolyn

Are children able to get COVID tests at school?

No. Testing is only taking place at government-designated centres which you access online or by calling 119.

@1wella

How can we tell the difference between flu and COVID.

I am afraid the only way is the covid-19 swab test. Children often exhibit very mild symptoms of covid-19 which could mimic a cold or mild flu. Any new temperature, new continuous cough or new loss of taste and smell in a child requires a covid test. You can arrange this via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or via calling 119. The whole household needs to self-isolate for 14 days or until a negative test result is returned.

@sofieellis

My DS is about to return to uni and I'm worried sick. Is it safe (he's asthmatic), or should I be persuading him to defer for a year?

If it will ease your anxiety you might find it helpful to talk to the university your son will be attending about the safety, hygiene and social distancing measures they will have in place?

@Lorlypop

What should I do if I suspect they might have coeliac disease?

You should book an appointment for your child with their GP who will ask some more questions and examine your child. The first step in investigations is generally a blood test to check for coeliac disease.

@DassDass

I'm coeliac and careful to always eat a gluten free diet, but still often suffer from what must be intolerances. I wonder if/when it's a good idea to get my daughter tested? She currently eats gluten but has recently been complaining of stomach pains but I don't know if this is real or just 'copying' of some of my behaviours?

It's certainly worth a chat with her GP! Coeliac disease can have a range of presentations - including, but not limited to, diarrhoea, stomach aches, gassiness and bloating, fatigue and weight loss. The first step in investigations is a simple blood test.

@Ratbagratty

How common is it for them to get uti's in the first term? My Dd has just started in reception and by day 4 she tested for a suspected uti. (Now waiting on lab growth) how can I avoid this in the future?

Make sure she is drinking plenty of water during the day, and that she is not afraid to ask to go to the toilet when she needs it. If a child 'holds' their bladder for too long it may give bacteria a chance to grow, so make sure she is able to go to the toilet when she needs to pee. For girls in particular, it is also worth checking her toileting regime - make sure she is wiping 'front to rear' to avoid bacteria spreading from the rectum to the urethra area which can then lead to a UTI.

@mummyuk86

My 2 year old really suffers when he gets a cough. Coughs go straight to his chest and he struggles to sleep because he is in so much pain from coughing, he wakes up crying. He also coughs so much that he makes himself sick. His coughing will last at least twice as long as when his brother has the same cough. It's been the same ever since he was born. Do you think there's an underlying issue? Or could it just be something that he grows out of?

No two children are the same so it is difficult to compare the way siblings react to colds and coughs. If it ever seems like he is struggling to breath, wheezing, breathing faster than normal, or a cough is affecting him so much it causes him to stop drinking, passing urine or appear lethargic then he definitely needs a medical review. Most children suffer more coughs when they are younger, and the intensity of coughs tends to lessen as they grow. However, if you are concerned or you feel he is unwell with a cough then you absoutely should visit your GP for a review.

@farhanac

How can I get more iron into packed lunches?

Iron rich foods include red meats, spinach and beans such as kidney beans, edaname beans or chickpeas. Nuts and dried fruits such as apricots are also high in iron and may be particularly good for packed lunches.

@wellingtonsandwaffles

How can we keep our kids fit and healthy when they are stationary all day now with near to all extra curricular activities stopped? How can schools build in movement with Covid restrictions and how do we make up for this at the end of a long day when everyone is tired?

The great outdoors is still easy to access and social distancing can be maintained. Take your children on walks after school or visit a local park and let them run around and play games. I can't speak for schools, so suggest you chat to your child's school if you have concerns about PE or activity within the school.

@giddyypixie

My 15yo son has growth stretch marks down his back from where he has grown so quickly over the last year. Is there anything we can do to minimise them or will they just go away naturally?

Stretch marks are common, and, as you say, often caused by growth spurts. There are a number of creams on the market that claim to help but I have to say that the evidence is limited for their effectiveness. Most stretch marks will fade slightly with time, so apart from making sure that the skin is well moisturised there is little else to recommend that might help.

@Ethan260908

My son is a bit of a hypochondriac, what is the best way to repeatedly deal with this and get rid of this rather irritating habit please?

Make sure you talk through his health anxieties to see if there are specific triggers you can address together. Children often feel less anxious when enabled to talk through their worries, and you can then discuss together why his health fears may be unfounded. If his anxiety is severe then I recommend a chat with his GP. CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) can be very useful for anxiety and children can access this through a referral from their GP to a child and adolescent mental health service.

@Cheryl1503

My son seems to get nosebleeds when he is stressed, any advice especially with the anxiety around Covid?

Many children get nosebleeds, and if these are mild and resolve quickly then are not a cause for concern. Make sure he isn’t picking his nose, which can traumatize it, or blowing his nose too hard. If a nosebleed occurs then pinch the soft part of the nose hard for at least 15minutes without breaking the pressure, lean forwards and (if possible) put ice over the forehead or back of the neck as this constricts the blood vessels. If the nosebleeds are happening regularly, or he suffers a particularly heavy nosebleed, then you should visit his GP as there are nasal creams that can help or he may need some treatment to a particularly problematic blood vessel in the nose.

@kkhimji

what type of gloves do you recommend?

No particular type of glove is needed if being used for general use (i.e. in a non-medical setting). Gloves are worn so that the hands are protected when out and about and so that they can easily be removed and disposed of if hand washing facilities/hand sanitiser is not avaliable.

@beckyinman

What can be done to help with anxiety around going back, getting a test and bringing it back to loved ones

It is certainly a scary time for children filled with lots of change, uncertainty and worry. Make sure you’re talking to your child regularly about any worries he/she has about the news, school, relatives or the general situation. Also ensure that your child knows who to talk to at school if he/she has a problem or concern. Let your child ask questions rather than giving too much information in one go, and try and be supportive and reassuring while still giving the facts. Remember that although it is very scary, children are very unlikely to become seriously unwell from covid-19 so make sure your child knows this in case they are worried about their own health. If a child worries about having a test I suggest you explain in advance what it will entail - it will be a swab test of the throat and nose - and let them know how this will be done. It may help to watch a video with your child of what will happen so that they know and are prepared. The department of Health and Social care has released an instructional video for parents which you may find useful. You can find this on youtube with the title 'How to test your child for coronavirus (Covid-19) in the UK'.

@phillw

Should all children have the flu injection?

This year, the flu vaccine will be available for all children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2020, all primary school children, all year 7 children, and all children aged 2-17yrs with long term health condition. Yes, I would advise that any child eligible on the above criteria receive the flu vaccine.