05/03/2022
It can be a scary time when tamariki (children) test positive for COVID-19. Here are some tips to help.
➡️ What it’s like
For most tamariki, COVID-19 generally has mild effects. They will commonly have no symptoms or only mild respiratory symptoms, similar to a cold. They can still pass COVID-19 on to others.
However, some tamariki can become very sick and need to go to hospital, this is rare. If you are concerned your child is very unwell, seek urgent medical help.
➡️ Isolate tamariki away from others
COVID-19 spreads easily, but there are a few things you can do that may protect others in the house from catching it. If you can, have them stay in another part of the house with a caregiver, and use a separate bathroom if you have one.
Follow healthy habits like handwashing, wearing masks, opening windows, and regularly cleaning surfaces. If possible, have tamariki wear a mask when in the same room as others especially with anyone who is high-risk.
➡️ Manage their symptoms
See what symptoms you can expect: https://covid19.govt.nz/prepare-and-stay-safe/about-covid-19/covid-19-symptoms/
Keep up the fluids. If they don’t want to drink water, try ice blocks or watered-down juice. They also may not want to eat much, which is alright for a short time. Drinking is more important to stop dehydration.
They may also have vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain, and muscle aches. Keep an eye on their nappies/toilet breaks to make sure they’re drinking enough (at least half of their normal amount of fluids).
There is no specific treatment for a mild COVID-19 illness. Antibiotics do not work on viral infections.
They can take paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are uncomfortable with a fever. You can also use decongestants, throat lozenges, or hydration fluids. Make sure you check with their GP or pharmacist first.
It’s also important to rest! Play quiet games, watch TV, and read together. Even when they’re feeling better, they may still need to take it easy to let their bodies recover.
Watch this video from Starship Foundation for more on how to care for tamariki here: https://vimeo.com/669194444?ref=tw-share
➡️ When to call for help
You should call for help if your child gets much more unwell. Call your local healthcare team, or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice if:
- they are breathing fast or hard
- their fever lasts for 5+ days
- they have severe chest or tummy pain
- their headache is not going away with painkillers.
Call 111 if they:
- have a sudden change in breathing (e.g. they can’t talk, are having irregular or fast breaths, or are struggling to breathe)
- have bad chest pain
- turn blue or pass out
- are difficult to wake up or are very drowsy.
