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Coronavirus Information Center
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What is coronavirus / COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus, the virus family that causes the common cold. Its symptoms are similar to the flu:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Can COVID-19 affect children?
Yes, but based on current evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for the disease than adults. Current information also suggests that, generally, children are less likely to become severely ill with COVID-19 if they do become infected.
Are the symptoms of COVID-19 in children different from adults?
No. The symptoms of COVID-19 in adults and children are similar. In the limited number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in children, most have had mild, cold-like symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported.
What is MIS-C, and is my child at risk of developing it?
First, parents should feel reassured that multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is extremely rare, and survival rates are high. MIS-C is a condition that causes a range of symptoms in children who have been exposed to the coronavirus. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloodshot eyes
- Fever of 101 degrees or higher
- Generalized skin rash, including on the lips, hands and feet
- Signs of shock, including rapid breathing or heart rate, low blood pressure and change in mental status
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Currently, there are no known risk factors, but most children affected are between the ages of 4 and 15 years old, and have no preexisting conditions. If your child is exhibiting signs of MIS-C, call your pediatrician right away. If your child is severely ill, take him or her to a Wolfson Children’s emergency room immediately.
Read this recent Juice article about MIS-C.
How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection?
The CDC recommends encouraging children to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone else does to stay healthy such as:
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20
seconds. - If soap and water is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth, with your hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick (coughing or sneezing).
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.
- Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
My child has a chronic illness. Is he or she at higher risk?
As with adults, it is possible that children with underlying health conditions and/or who are immunocompromised may be at higher risk.
These conditions include:
- Cancer
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Immunodeficiency conditions
- Neurologic conditions such as muscle disorders
- Organ transplant
- Treatment with medications that lower the immune system response
Learn more about who is most at risk on CDC’s current Risk Assessment page.
Which precautions should I take if my child does have a chronic health condition?
Parents and other caregivers should be extra vigilant about monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If your child demonstrates these symptoms, call your child’s health care provider for guidance about screening and treatment. As always, if your child is severely ill or is having another medical emergency, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room. Visit wolfsonchildrens.com/emergency for a list of Wolfson Children’s Emergency Centers.
Other things to remember:
- Continue your child’s current medical treatment plan unless otherwise advised by his or her primary treating physician.
- Make sure your child’s prescriptions are refilled so you have at least a two-week supply of medication on hand.
- If you’re unsure whether your appointment has been affected by COVID-19, please contact your provider.
- Follow CDC recommendations concerning travel.
- Practice social distancing, which means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
- Ensure you have sufficient stock of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, household items and groceries for the whole family.
Learn more about who is most at risk on CDC’s current Risk Assessment page.
If I think my child has COVID-19, should we go to the emergency room?
- If you or your child feels sick, call your primary care physician.
- Do not show up at a doctor’s office or clinic without first contacting them.
Can you get COVID-19 through pools, hot tubs, and water play areas?
