Far fewer cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in children than in adults. Usually, the virus causes a milder illness in kids, though some children have become pretty sick.
Many parents wonder what to do if their child gets sick. Here's what you need to know.
The most common signs of COVID-19 are a fever, cough, and trouble breathing. Some people might have:
Some kids are having symptoms caused by inflammation throughout the body, sometimes several weeks after they were infected with the virus. This is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Doctors are trying to find out how these symptoms are related to coronavirus infection.
Symptoms of MIS-C can include:
Most kids with MIS-C get better after they get special care in the hospital, sometimes in the ICU (intensive care unit).
Call your doctor if your child has a fever, cough, trouble breathing, sore throat, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or just doesn't feel well. If your child has been near someone with coronavirus or been in an area where lots of people have coronavirus, tell the doctor. Talk about whether your child needs a test for coronavirus. The doctor can decide whether your child:
In a telehealth visit, a health care provider can see your child on video while you stay at home. If you can, choose a telehealth provider who specializes in caring for kids. If the doctor thinks your child needs care right away, they will guide you on where to go. When possible, check for telehealth in your area before anyone in your family is sick.
Watch for signs that your child might need more medical help. Go to the ER if your child:
Call 911 if your child is struggling to breathe, is too out of breath to talk or walk, or turns blue or has fainted.
Doctors, hospitals, commercial labs, local health departments, and the U.S. Public Health Service are working together to help get tests to the people who need them.
To test someone for coronavirus, doctors put a long Q-tip (a swab) into the nose or mouth, then send it to a lab. If the person coughs up mucus, doctors might send that for testing too. Some areas offer drive-thru testing, which lets people stay in their car during the test.
If you think your child has symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor or local health department. They will give you the most up-to-date information on testing.
Doctors and researchers are working on medicines and a vaccine for coronavirus. Most people with the illness, including children, get better with rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medicine. People with more severe symptoms may need treatment in the hospital.
Keep doing these things to keep your family healthy:
Reviewed by: Jonathan M. Miller, MD;Melanie L. Pitone, MD
Date Reviewed: 24-07-2020