Covid Informed

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, and shortness of breath. Your child may also have a stomachache or belly pain and may not feel like eating. COVID-19 can spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, breathing, and singing. It also can spread when people...

Overview

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, and shortness of breath. Your child may also have a stomachache or belly pain and may not feel like eating.

COVID-19 can spread through droplets from coughing, sneezing, breathing, and singing. It also can spread when people are in close contact with someone who is infected.

Some children have no symptoms. But most children have mild symptoms and can be cared for at home. If symptoms get worse, they may need care in a hospital. Treatment may include medicines to reduce symptoms, plus breathing support such as oxygen therapy or a ventilator.

It's important to not spread the virus to others. If your child has COVID-19, they should:

  • Wear a mask anytime they're around other people. A mask can help stop the spread of the virus.
  • Stay away from others in the house. When possible, they should stay in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom.
  • Stay home. Your child should only leave home to get medical care.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Make sure your child gets extra rest. It can help them feel better.
  • Have your child drink plenty of fluids. This helps replace fluids lost from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Fluids may also help ease a scratchy throat.
  • Ask your doctor if your child can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce a fever. It may also help with muscle and body aches. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Use petroleum jelly on your child's sore skin. This can help if the skin around their nose and lips becomes sore from rubbing a lot with tissues. If your child is using oxygen, use a water-based product instead of petroleum jelly.
  • Keep track of symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath. This can help you know if you need to call your doctor. Ask your doctor when it's safe for your child to be around other people.

How can you protect yourself?

Wear a mask around other people and around the child who is sick. Wash your hands often and well. Use soap and water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If you haven't tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3 months or aren't up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, you need to quarantine.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if your child has life-threatening symptoms, such as:

  • Severe trouble breathing. (Your child can't talk at all.) Young children may have flared nostrils, and their belly moves in and out with every breath.
  • Sunken eyes, refusing fluids, or not urinating much. (These are signs of dehydration.)
  • Constant chest pain or pressure.
  • Severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Confusion or trouble thinking clearly.
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin or lips.
  • Loss of consciousness (your child passes out) or is very hard to wake up.

Call your child's doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has moderate trouble breathing. (They can't speak a full sentence.)
  • Your child is coughing up blood.
  • Your child has signs of low blood pressure. These include feeling lightheaded; being too weak to stand; and having cold, pale, clammy skin.
  • Your child has a fever for more than 24 hours with new or worsening: belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, red eyes, or dizziness. These may be symptoms of MIS-C, a condition associated with COVID-19.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child's symptoms get worse.
  • Your child is not getting better as expected.

Call before you go to the doctor's office. Follow their instructions. And wear a mask.

Healthwise Staff

Heather Quinn MD - Family Medicine, Lesley Ryan MD - Family Medicine,

2022-07-28

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This care instruction is for use with your licensed healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is for educational purpose only. Given the fast-evolving situation of COVID-19, while the research team attempts to provide timely information on this website, please refer to the COVID-19 information website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for the most updated guidelines. Always seek advice from your health care provider for specific recommendation pertaining to your health condition.