As the world slowly re-adjusts to life after the lockdown of 2020, COVID-19 is still a threat to be wary of, especially when it comes to children, as they have a likelihood to spread it more in schools etc and not being able to isolate completely by themselves.
In this blog, we at Official Rapid Tests will be discussing Coronavirus symptoms in children.
In the midst of the UK collectively recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, frequent testing has become a requirement in order to keep everyone safe from another outbreak of infections.
In the UK alone, as of 2022 there have been more than 500 million COVID tests, highlighting the importance of testing two years post-pandemic.
At Official Rapid Tests, we make it simple for people to get connected with the testing services that they need. With more than 120 clinics represented on our government-approved database, we can match you up with a test site in just a few clicks.
But firstly, what is Coronavirus?
Understanding COVID-19
According to the World Health Organisation:
“Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.
Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. “
The seriousness of this virus is illustrated by the almost global lockdown that was enacted during 2020 to 2021 (In the UK), limiting social interaction in personal and professional fields. The effort was made to reduce the risk of infection until vaccinations were readily available.
As of the 22nd of December 2022, England has experienced 20+ million reported cases of coronavirus, with a total of just over 180 thousand deaths as a result of COVID-19. This equates to under 1% of deaths due to COVID-19. In this respect, the lockdown may have helped keep these numbers down.
Coronavirus symptoms in children
Although the severity of COVID-19 infections in children is low, (unless they are already have a compromised immune system) The NHS states that:
“Children and young people aged 18 and under can get coronavirus (COVID-19), but it's usually a mild illness and most get better in a few days.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu.”
How can I know for sure if my child has COVID-19?
We at Official Rapid Tests have a variety of methods for you to be able to know whether or not you or your children are infected. Giving you peace of mind in regards to knowing how to move forward. Especially if you are going abroad. Here are our options.
Antigen tests - A simple test that takes 15 minutes to get your results. We offer these test for leaving the UK and for returning to the UK. We also offer a video supervised option for those who need guidance when testing. Order here.
PCR tests - A thorough test in which results take 24 hours to arrive, however your test sample is tested by a professional. Order yours here.
In clinic antigen & PCR testing - Depending on your location you can attend a clinic to be tested by one of our expert testers. This is a benefit for anybody unsure of how to test, whilst guaranteeing a safe environment with guidance by professionals.
Simply enter your location to find and book a test at your nearest test centre.
Unsure of which option you should choose? Not to worry. We have our own questionnaire to guide you for the right test you need.
The quickest testing method
Antigen testing kits have become a common method in establishing whether or not the testee has covid. This is because antigen testing kits can be done from home, with results made apparent in a much shorter frame of time.
As opposed to PCR test kits that provide results in 24 hours (due to them being tested in labs), antigen kits provide results in 15 minutes. The method of testing follows a simple procedure, different to the PCR method and is as follows, to take a rapid antigen test:
Below, we will briefly highlight the process of taking an antigen test yourself:
(Not all rapid antigen tests are the same. E.g. some test kits come with the tube and liquid in separate parts. So, always read the instructions on the box or leaflet before you do the test.)
Start by washing your hands with soap or clean with sanitizer, then grabbing a watch or timer.
In the test kit, there should be a:
- White strip which shows you the test result
- A long stick with 1 soft end (swab)
- A tube with liquid inside
- A lid for the tube
When taking the test, make sure to:
- Take the long stick (swab) out of the packet. Do not touch the soft part at the end of the stick.
- Put the soft part of the stick up your nose.
- Put it all the way up until you feel it touch the back of your nose.
- Rotate the swab around the inside of your nose.
- Count to 15 slowly.
- When the stick is in your nose, you can press on the side of your nose to ensure the swab has made proper contact.
- Repeat the process in the other nostril with the same swab you used initially.
- When you are done, put the stick into the tube.
- Stir the stick in the tube 10 times.
- Gently squeeze the sides of the tube together 10 times.
- Take the stick out of the tube.
- Put the cap tightly on the tube.
- Squeeze 3 or 4 drops of liquid onto the tiny circle on your white strip.
- Set your timer or watch to the time that the box says (this could be 10, 15 or 20 minutes).
- When the time is up, check the strip to see what it says. Only read the strip at that time and not later. It might be incorrect then.
Do you need an antigen test kit? Our website provides these test kits for you. Want to know some more information about antigen test kits? Our blog contains all the relevant information that you need.
PCR Test from home
If you decide to take your PCR test at home, after ordering and receiving your test kit follow these guidelines on how to take a PCR test:
- Clean your hands with sanitizer, or wash your hands with soap and blow your nose.
- Clean the surface your test kit will be on, lay all the test materials on the surface once it is dry.
- Open your mouth and rub the swab over both your tonsils (or where they were) at the back of your throat. Do this 4 times on each side.
- insert the same swab inside your nose (about 2.5cm up or until you feel some resistance) and wipe the inside of your nose.
- Put the swab facing down into the tube and screw the lid tight.
- Put the tube in the bag provided.
- When posting the used kit, make sure to only post it in a Royal Mail Priority postbox which are for the sole purpose of receiving and delivering test kits.
Order your test today
Official Rapid Tests is a trusted global supplier for Covid testing. We are the highest-rated UK Government listed provider on Trustindex.
All Official Rapid Tests are verified by the EU and the UK Government. We work with qualified front line doctors and tech experts to come up with the most convenient testing solutions for travel. We blend technology and medical expertise to offer the fastest and most convenient PCR testing service on the market.
If you are not sure which Covid test you may need, take our Quiz on our webpage here, and this will tell you which type of Covid test is suitable based on your travel requirements. Looking for a recovery certificate? Order yours here.
Within this article, we hope to provided valuable information for your travelling and testing needs whilst showing you how to spot coronavirus symptoms in children.
Find out more about Official Rapid Tests by browsing our website here.
We have over 120 clinics nationwide where you can get a Covid test. Find your nearest test centre by clicking here. You can contact our help centre for any queries you may have.
We are open 24/7, seven days a week.
Read more articles on travelling and Covid tests on our blog here.