OMICRON cases are rising in children, after schools reopened in the new year.
This is partly due to a lack of vaccinations in younger people, and the Christmas holidays delaying that age group mingling.
Infections have increased in kids in recent weeks, as cases drop in all other ages.
Most cases will be mild in kids, with symptoms presenting as a bad cold for most people.
But in some children it may affect them more severely, so it’s best to know the signs of when you need to call in for extra help.
If your baby or child has tested positive for Covid, keep them hydrated and well rested until any symptoms go.
Call 999 is your baby has stopped breathing or is having serious difficulty breathing, is floppy and unresponsive or won’t wake up or has a fit that isn’t stopping.
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Call 111 or your GP for help if you child:
- is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C or higher, or you think they have a fever
- is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C or higher, or you think they have a fever
- has other signs of illness, such as a rash, as well as a high temperature (fever)
- has a high temperature that’s lasted for 5 days or more
- does not want to eat, or is not their usual self and you’re worried
- has a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol
- is dehydrated – for example, nappies are not very wet, sunken eyes, and no tears when they’re crying
There are about 20 Omicron warning symptoms in adults that are popping up regularly, which are useful to know in children.
But in kids there are a few specific extras that are worth being aware of, in case they need to have a test.
Parents and doctors have reported children with runny noses, low grade fevers, croup, a cough and rashes.
Dr Camilla Kingdon, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “I follow up our most high-risk preterm babies.
“Most of them in my clinic have had Omicron in the last four weeks – or their families have – and none of them have come to any harm.
“In fact, most of the mothers are reporting a runny nose, a little bit off their feet and some low grade fever.
“We need to watch this space but, from around the country at the moment, the picture is a reassuring one.”
