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Health staff advised not to examine children’s throats

Health staff advised not to examine children’s throats

Health care workers are advised not to look at children’s throats unless absolutely necessary during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The new guidance issued by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) on 24 March is aimed at protecting medical professionals from unnecessary exposure to the coronavirus.

The advice is in light of growing concerns about the role asymptomatic children may play in the spread of the infection.

The RCPCH guidance stated: ‘The oropharynx of children should only be examined if essential’.

The guidance continued: ‘If the throat needs to be examined, personal protective equipment (fluid resistant surgical face mask, plastic apron and gloves) should be worn, irrespective of whether the child has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or not.’

The Royal College of Nursing has published information outlining their position on Covid-19 and have clinical guidance on their website for nurses working with coronavirus patients.

Further guidance from the RCPCH can be found on their Covid-19 response page.

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Health care workers are advised not to look at children?s throats unless absolutely necessary during the Covid-19 outbreak.