Children and young people aged 18 and under

Respiratory infections are common in children and young people, particularly during the winter months. Symptoms can be caused by several respiratory infections including the common cold, coronavirus and RSV.

For most children and young people, these illnesses will not be serious. They’ll soon recover following rest and plenty of fluids.

Very few children and young people with respiratory infections become seriously unwell.

When to stay at home

Children and young people with mild symptoms who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education setting. Mild symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough.

Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can. They can go back to school, college or childcare, and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and they’re well enough to attend.

It’s not recommended that children and young people are tested for coronavirus unless advised to by a healthcare professional.

Children and young people who usually go to school, college or childcare and who live with someone who has a positive coronavirus test result should continue to attend as normal.

 

Recent advice from The Scottish Government – August 2022