What to do if...?

Last Updated: 18.04.22

Symptoms of respiratory infections, including COVID-19

Respiratory infections can spread easily between people. It is important to be aware of symptoms so you can take action to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to other people.

 

The symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections are very similar. It is not possible to tell if you have COVID-19, flu or another respiratory infection based on symptoms alone. Most people with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections will have a relatively mild illness, especially if they have been vaccinated.

 

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

 

 

Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections include:

 

  •     continuous cough
  •     high temperature, fever or chills
  •     loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
  •     shortness of breath
  •     unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
  •     muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
  •     not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
  •     headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
  •     sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
  •     diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick

 

If you are feeling unwell with these symptoms you should get plenty of rest and drink water to keep hydrated. You can use medications such as paracetamol to help with your symptoms. Antibiotics are not recommended for viral respiratory infections because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
 
What to do if my child displays symptoms of Coronavirus...
  • DO NOT bring your child into school if they are unwell with symptoms of Covid-19.
  • Inform the school office that your child is unwell, noting the reasons why they are unwell.
  • Ensure your child remains at home until their temperature returns to normal/they are well enough to return.
  • Update the office daily if your child will not be returning due to them continuing to be unwell.
  • If a child has tested positive for Covid-19, guidance currently advises that they should self-isolate for 3 days.  
  • Guidance also notes that 'If you have COVID-19, you can pass on the virus to other people for up to 10 days from when your infection starts. Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days.' 
What to do if any member of the household displays symptoms or tests positive for Coronavirus...
  • Continue to monitor all other household members for any new symptoms of Covid-19; should they develop any of these symptoms, ensure they remain at home until they are well enough to return to school/work.
  • If a child has tested positive for Covid-19, guidance currently advises that they should self-isolate for 3 days.  For an adult, advise is to self-isolate for 5 days.
  • Guidance also notes that 'If you have COVID-19, you can pass on the virus to other people for up to 10 days from when your infection starts. Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days.' 
What will happen if my child displays symptoms of Coronavirus while at school...
  • If your child becomes unwell at school with any symptom of Covid-19, the school office will contact you and request that you make arrangements for your child to be collected as soon as possible.
  • You should ensure your child is collect as soon as possible and that they remain at home until their temperature returns to normal/they are well enough to return.
  • Update the office daily if your child will not be returning due to them continuing to be unwell.