Managing Viral Illness in Children

Viral illness is common, particularly in children. Most people with viral illness do not need to be reviewed by their GP and can be managed safely at home. 

If your child has breathing difficulties, a persistently high fever above 38.5C, a rash, or is having difficulty managing food and fluids, then please call and get advice about whether they need to be seen.

Pre School/School medical Certificates

Increasingly, we are being asked to provide certificates for children in order to attend preschool / school / extracurricular activities either during an illness, or after they have recovered. The Ministry of Health advice is clear that if your child is unwell with a viral illness, then they should not be attending preschool or school. 

Preschool clearance is not a service we provide

We do not have capacity to see well children to declare they are able to return to school. The decision about whether a child can attend preschool is between the parents and preschool/school, and should not need to involve the nurse or GP.

 We appreciate your cooperation with this.