Child viral infections are on the increase, Buckinghamshire hospitals are warning - prompting a call for parents to get their youngsters Covid-19 tests.

Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has said that while the majority of the respiratory and viral infections will not be due to Covid-19, parents should get their children a PCR Covid-19 test early on in their illness just to be safe.

The CCG said children will often get a temperature or a new cough that can usually be treated at home, but for the safety of hospital staff and patients, they are asking parents to "have a very low threshold" for getting a child a PCR Covid-19 test.

They added: "A lateral flow test is not sufficient and is not an accurate test for symptomatic children.

"If the PCR test is negative but your child remains unwell, your GP will be able to confidently invite you into the practice for an appointment to be seen.

"This will help to keep everyone safe, but in particular will ensure that your child gets the most appropriate care at the right place."

To access a PCR test, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/how-to-do-a-test-at-home-or-at-a-test-site/how-to-do-a-pcr-test