Rise in respiratory infections amongst Buckinghamshire's children
Parents are being urged not to worry, however
Buckinghamshire parents are being warned that children's respiratory and viral infections are on the increase - but they're being asked not to worry.
Bucks CCG has explained that usual infections are occuring - with symptoms similar to covid.
Dan Flecknoe, a Public Health Consultant with Bucks Council, explains testing still needs to be done and precautions followed:
"The vast majority of these infections will be very minor and will not be covid.
"But given the situation, given we are still in a pandemic and we are still in a pandemic, testing does need to happen."
Often a child will present with a temperature or new cough.
These infections are usually self-limiting and can be treated at home with symptomatic measures.
Dan added:
"In normal circumstances, this wouldn't create much of a problem.
"Most viral illnesses affecting the upper airways that children get don't require much in the way of treatment."
The majority of these infections will not be due to COVID-19. However, for the safety of our other patients and staff, we would ask that you have a very low threshold for getting your child a PCR COVID-19 test early on in their illness.
A lateral flow test is not sufficient and is not an accurate test for symptomatic children.
If the PCR test is negative but your child remains unwell, your GP will be able to confidently invite you into the practice for an appointment to be seen.
This will help to keep everyone safe, but in particular will ensure that your child gets the most appropriate care at the right place.
To access a PCR test click here.