Symptoms of coronavirus in children

The mains symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough - this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours 
• a loss or change to sense of smell or taste - this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

What to do if your child has symptoms 

If your child has any of the main symptoms of coronavirus: 

1. Get a test to check if they have coronavirus as soon as possible. 
2. Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get the test result - only leave your home to have a test. 
3. Inform the school

Anyone you live with (this includes siblings), and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get the result.

If the test is negative, all children can return to school if well enough to do so. Please ensure you let the school know the outcome of the test as soon as possible. 

If the test is positive, the child with the positive test must isolate for 10 days starting from when the symptoms started. The rest of the household, including siblings, must then isolate for 14 days from the day the symptoms started. Please ensure you let the school know the outcome of the test as soon as possible. 

If you are unsure and require medical advice, call 111 or contact your doctor. 

To arrange a test, visit the testing website or call 119. 

For all the latest guidance, visit the Coronavirus Government Webpage. 

Other Guidance

Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection

Getting tested

Guidance for full opening of schools

NHS coronavirus in children

How to wash your hands video