Children and Coronavirus test

[Meg001]

My 6 year old son had a tough time last year in and out of hospitals having MRIs, a couple of generals, numerous blood tests and 8 nights in hospital getting painful medication through a drip every 4 hours. He's a slightly anxious child anyway and these experiences last year left him quite scared and highly anxious about anything to do with doctors. We were hoping for a better year this year and then coronavirus hit. Lockdown was fine and my worries started when school went back to full time in the classroom this week. I knew that if anyone was unlucky enough to catch anything it would be him. Sure enough i picked him up on Thursday and he's complaining of a sore throat and tummy ache. I have yet to take him in for a covid test but our whole family is isolating indoors just in case. I know if I send him for a test it will be a very upsetting experience for him and will only traumatise him further and the likelihood of him getting a positive carona test is minuscule. Yes I could take him for a test and I probably should but i'm also here thinking if I test him every time he has any potential carona symptom he is going to be tested once every two weeks on average I think if i keep him in school. I just don't think this is going to be any good whatsoever for his mental health or mine. I just don't know what to do. I am keeping his younger sister out of preschool to reduce the odds of illness in our household and my husband and I can work from home so it will most likely be my son needing to be tested everytime. My friends with kids were all extremely happy to send their kids back to school and don't fear their kids catching or spreading caronavirus much at all so I don't feel like I have anyone to talk to about this. How is everybody coping? Can anyone relate? Thank you.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Meg001,

Welcome to the forums, we're so glad that you have reached out here tonight. We're really sorry to hear what you're stuggling with at the moment, but it sounds like your children are very lucky to have such a caring parent. Please know that you've come to a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about your thoughts and feelings, and our wonderful community is here to provide you with as much support, advice and conversation as you need. 

If you feel up to it, we'd also really recommend reaching out to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website has information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. You can also call our dedicated support line, staffed by mental health professionals, which is available 24/7 on 1800 512 348 if you'd like to talk through these feelings and concerns.

We hope that you keep checking in to let us know how you're going, whenever you feel up to it.
 

[jess334]

Hi Meg001,

Welcome to the forums. I can relate as my son (2yo) and myself had to be tested last month.

In our case my son had a cough and runny nose. I didn't get him tested at first (because at that stage they were only testing people from overseas), but childcare wouldn't let him return until I had proof that he wasn't contagious.

It wasn't nice. I had to hold him down and in the end they didn't get the full swab. I had to get the test myself the next week and I understand why! It isn't pleasant. It doesn't actually hurt, but it does feel very weird.

I can understand why you are worried about him catching it, especially with his history of medical problems. I am worried about it too, especially since we are essential workers and cant keep my son home.

Kind thoughts, Jess