If your child has tested positive for covid-19, it is normal for you to be alarmed, but remember that the majority of children and adolescents are asymptomatic. From the Quirónsalud Murcia hospital, Dr. Manuel Baca, affirms that in minors, the symptoms of covid appear in a milder way and are more similar to those of a common cold. 99% fully recover, and very rarely have sequelae.
However family life will be altered. All routines will change during the quarantine period of all close contacts the child has, this includes parents and siblings. We tell you what are the protocols to follow, and in the event that you are working, the sick leave that you must process.
Protocols to follow if your child tests positive
Let's put ourselves in the best of cases, which for boys and girls is usually the most common. Your child has tested positive for coronavirus, but is asymptomatic or has very mild, flu-like symptoms. TO medical and pharmacological level, the doctor will give you the instructions that you must follow.
Now let's see what the protocols are. For now you will have to restrict the child's exits from the room as much as possible and avoid contact with other partners. All the family members have to stay at home, in isolation, but if possible, not in the same room. This includes siblings. These people who live with the positive child undergo a PCR, and although they are negative in the test, they must also do isolation for 14 days.
You have the obligation to notify the school of the child that has tested positive, so that the class is confined. This includes teachers, even if they have been vaccinated. You must also notify the study center about the situation, positive or negative, of the other siblings. If the child has other circles, for example extracurricular activities, or close contacts, such as a birthday, you should also notify.
What tests should be done on close contacts?
We have already pointed out that in most cases of covid-19 positive children, the disease is not serious. Nevertheless, does not mean that we should minimize its importance nor, of course, that we should not be attentive to a possible contagion from other family members who may be more vulnerable.
Currently, to find out if other people who consider themselves close contact of the infected child, there are different tests. The test of antigens, in which a nasal sample is taken has the advantage of offering quick results, but is a less accurate test. Even if the result is negative, it is recommended to do a PCR later to make sure that the contact does not have covid-19.
La serology, detects if the body has produced antibodies to fight COVID-19, but does not diagnose an active infection. The famous PCR detect if the contact of the infected child has an active infection. A nasopharyngeal sample is obtained with a swab. Results can be obtained in the next 24-48 hours. The PCR can also be done using a saliva sample, although you have to have some prior preparation.
Leave of work for mothers with children with covid-19
For their part, the parents, both the mother and the father, of the covid-19 positive child they have to request sick leave, even if the result of his PCR is negative, during the days of isolation of the child. It is a paid leave of absence. Thanks to her, in addition to taking care of your child, you will be able to take care of yourself.
As soon as someone from a family unit, tests positive for covid-19, the medical criterion is to withdraw so that the quarantine can be fulfilled. There is no distinction between the quarantine situation and the coronavirus contagion. Doctors have powers to issue these endorsements.
But if your child is not infected by covid-19, even if they have to keep quarantine, because it is a close contact, then you do not have the right to sick leave, but you will have to take advantage of the Take Care of Me program, whereby you have a special leave of absence to reduce your working day by up to 100%. But it is not a casualty.