During the COVID-19 pandemic many families will be staying at home.
The government advice is to stay at home if you have a new fever or continuous cough, but if your baby or child is unwell call 111, get advice and do not delay getting help.
Further information can be found here.
At The Great North Children’s Hospital we are seeing less viral infections because children are not mixing at school and less diarrhoea and vomiting because of better hand washing.
However there are other important causes of cough and fever (not COVID-19) and some children still might need to be seen by medical staff and may need treatment such as antibiotics.
Changes have been made to the Emergency Department to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19 as much as possible.
To help you decide if your child needs to seek medical attention we have two resources.
The Little Orange book online has advice on all common childhood illnesses
This helps you decide when and where to get help if your child is unwell.
Remember any small babies under 3 months old with a temperature over 380C or babies between 3-6 months with a temperature over 390C should be seen by a health care professional.
Vulnerable children and coronavirus
If you are worried that your child is unwell please follow the if you have symptoms advice.
If your child is currently receiving treatment from us, it is really important you continue to follow the advice and instructions given by your clinical team. Find out more on the Great North Children’s Hospital homepage.
What is the definition of vulnerable children?
However certain children may be more vulnerable to coronavirus because of pre-existing conditions.
Examples of children considered as ‘vulnerable’ to severe infection are those with:
- Chronic lung disease including cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and chronic lung disease of prematurity (needing oxygen)
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease including neurodisability and cerebral palsy
- Diabetes
Weakened immune system such as:
- Children having chemotherapy or other treatment for malignancy
- Children who are born with an immunodeficiency (primary immunodeficiency)
- Immunosuppressive medications – this includes biologics, long term steroids and other medicines that dampen immunity*
- Children post bone marrow transplant (until they have normal immunity back, usually after the all-clear to receive live vaccines)
- Problems with your spleen (asplenia or functional hyposplenia) including sickle cell disease
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop taking my medication if I develop COVID-19?
Please do not stop or reduce ANY of your medications unless advised by your specialist team.
The following advice is intended to keep children as safe as possible:
During the coronavirus pandemic, vulnerable children and their siblings should have social distancing measures in place including:
- staying away from anyone unwell
- staying at home
- avoiding large gatherings
The latest guidance is available here: