A doctor has outlined the omicron signs and symptoms to look out for in kids, with the medical expert warning that they can vary greatly from what adults experience.
The three main symptoms of coronavirus outlined by the NHS are a new persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell, however for adults, the recognisable symptoms of the new omicron variant have included sneezing, aches, fatigue and a sore throat.
Warning of children showing signs of tiredness, headache and a high temperature when infected with omicron, Dr Lawrence Dorman told BelfastLive : "The symptoms are different in children and with this new variant, some people are reporting more coryza, the medical term for cold-like symptoms, rather than flu.
"Coryza is more runny noses and less serious symptoms whereas we know from the very first Alpha wave that people were presenting with more classic flu symptoms and were aching and sore.
"It's very difficult with children as temperatures can be quite common in that age group. The big thing we ask people to do is to trust their instincts. Parents know their children well and they know when they're not well."
Dr Dorman, who is chair of the Royal College of Practitioners in Northern Ireland, said parents should be wary of younger ones spreading it to vulnerable relatives.
"The guidelines are still the same in terms of symptoms - a high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss of taste and smell. While some of these have changed, it's worth keeping track of them," he said.
"What we do particularly encourage is that people keep a high level of suspicion, especially if they have vulnerable family members.
"If you have an elderly relative or family member on immunosuppressant tablets and with underlying medical conditions, it does no harm to be cautious and sensible."
