COVID-19 in Children: Symptoms, Care & What Kids Need to Know

What Is COVID-19 and Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases. For most children, COVID-19 causes symptoms similar to a cold or flu that get better on their own.

You may have heard a lot about COVID-19 and coronavirus over the past few years. COVID-19 is an illness that spreads from person to person, usually through tiny droplets when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called a coronavirus because when scientists look at it under a microscope, it has little spikes around it that look like a crown (corona means crown in Latin).

When COVID-19 first appeared, it was a new virus that scientists didn't know much about. This is why there were many rules and changes to help keep people safe while doctors and scientists learned more. Now, after several years, we know much more about COVID-19 and how to manage it. The good news is that for most children, COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms, similar to catching a regular cold.

The virus has also changed (mutated) over time to become generally less severe for most people, especially those who have some immunity from previous infection or vaccination. This means that while COVID-19 is still around, it is less of a concern than it was in the early days of the pandemic.

How COVID-19 Spreads

COVID-19 spreads mainly when an infected person breathes out droplets and tiny particles that contain the virus. These droplets can travel through the air and be breathed in by someone nearby. The virus can also spread when you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth - which is why washing your hands often is so important!

People are most contagious (able to spread the virus to others) when they have symptoms, but it's possible to spread COVID-19 even if you don't feel sick. This is why good hygiene habits like covering coughs and staying home when you're not feeling well help protect everyone around you.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children?

COVID-19 symptoms in children typically include cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches, stomach pain, diarrhea, and sometimes loss of taste or smell. Many children have mild symptoms similar to a common cold, and some may have no symptoms at all while still being able to spread the virus.

If your child has COVID-19, they might notice different symptoms. The symptoms can range from very mild (like a slight sniffle) to more noticeable (like fever and cough). Here are the most common symptoms that children experience:

• Cough: A dry cough is one of the most common symptoms
• Fever: A higher temperature than normal (above 38°C or 100.4°F)
• Sore throat: Pain or scratchiness in the throat
• Runny or stuffy nose: Similar to having a cold
• Headache: Pain in the head or face
• Body aches: Muscles may feel sore or tired
• Stomach problems: Some children experience stomach pain, diarrhea, or loose stools
• Changes in taste or smell: Food and drinks may taste or smell different, or you might not taste or smell anything at all
• Tiredness: Feeling more tired than usual

It's important to know that children often experience milder symptoms than adults. In fact, some children with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all - they feel completely fine even though they have the virus. However, even without symptoms, they can still spread the virus to other people, including adults who might get sicker.

How Long Do Symptoms Last?

For most children, COVID-19 symptoms last about one to two weeks. Some children feel better within just a few days, while others may take a bit longer to fully recover. The symptoms are usually at their worst during the first few days and then gradually improve.

During recovery, it's normal for some symptoms like coughing or tiredness to linger for a bit longer than others. If symptoms seem to be getting worse instead of better after the first week, or if new symptoms appear, it's a good idea to check with a healthcare provider.

Do Children Get Seriously Ill from COVID-19?

It is uncommon for children to become seriously ill from COVID-19. Most children experience mild symptoms similar to a cold. However, children with certain underlying health conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness. Vaccinated adults around children provide an additional layer of protection for the whole family.

One of the most reassuring things doctors have learned about COVID-19 is that children generally do very well when they catch this virus. While COVID-19 can make adults quite sick, especially older adults or those with certain health conditions, children typically experience much milder illness.

Studies from around the world have consistently shown that serious illness from COVID-19 in children is uncommon. The vast majority of children who get COVID-19 recover completely at home with rest and care, just as they would from a regular cold or flu. Hospitalization is rare, and severe complications are even rarer in children.

There are a few reasons why children tend to do better with COVID-19 than adults:

• Developing immune systems: Children's immune systems respond to viruses differently than adult immune systems, which may provide some protection
• Fewer underlying conditions: Children are less likely to have conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease that can make COVID-19 more serious
• Healthier airways: Children's respiratory systems are generally healthier and more resilient

Children Who May Be at Higher Risk

While most children handle COVID-19 well, some children may be at higher risk for more serious illness. These include children with:

• Serious heart conditions from birth (congenital heart disease)
• Severe lung conditions like severe asthma that requires regular medication
• Conditions that affect the immune system
• Certain genetic conditions
• Significant obesity
• Complex medical conditions requiring multiple medications

If your child has a chronic health condition, it's a good idea to discuss COVID-19 with their regular doctor. The doctor can provide personalized advice about any extra precautions that might be helpful and whether vaccination is recommended for your child.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Seek immediate medical care if your child has difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, inability to stay awake, bluish lips or face, or severe abdominal pain. For milder symptoms, contact your healthcare provider by phone for guidance. Most children can recover at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for fever.

While most children with COVID-19 can recover safely at home, there are certain warning signs that mean you should seek medical help right away. It's important for parents and caregivers to know these signs so they can act quickly if needed.

When to Contact Your Doctor

For less severe symptoms, you don't necessarily need emergency care, but you should contact your child's doctor or a healthcare advice line if:

• Your child has a fever that lasts more than a few days
• Symptoms seem to be getting worse instead of better
• Your child is refusing to drink fluids and seems dehydrated
• Your child has an underlying health condition and you're concerned
• You're unsure whether your child needs to be seen by a doctor
• Your child develops new symptoms after starting to feel better

Healthcare providers can often give advice over the phone and let you know whether your child needs to come in for an examination. Many mild cases of COVID-19 don't require a doctor visit at all, but it's always okay to call and ask if you're worried.

Caring for Your Child at Home

If your child has COVID-19 but doesn't need medical care, there are several things you can do at home to help them feel better:

• Rest: Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and takes it easy
• Fluids: Encourage drinking water, diluted juice, or other clear fluids to stay hydrated
• Fever management: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve aches - follow age-appropriate dosing instructions
• Comfort measures: A cool cloth on the forehead, comfortable clothes, and a well-ventilated room can help
• Monitor symptoms: Keep an eye on how your child is doing and watch for any warning signs

Can Children Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19?

COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for children vary by country and are regularly updated based on current evidence. Most healthy children do not routinely need COVID-19 vaccination as the disease has become less severe and most children experience only mild illness. However, vaccination may be recommended for children with certain health conditions. Always check with your healthcare provider for current guidance.

When COVID-19 vaccines were first developed, they were initially given to adults and older people who were at highest risk of severe illness. As more research was done, vaccines were approved for younger age groups as well. Many adults around the world have now been vaccinated, which has helped reduce the spread and severity of COVID-19 overall.

For children, the vaccination recommendations have evolved as we've learned more. Because COVID-19 is typically mild in children and the virus has become less severe over time, routine vaccination is not recommended for most healthy children in many countries. Health authorities have determined that for most children, the benefits of vaccination do not outweigh the potential risks and side effects.

When Vaccination May Be Recommended

Vaccination may still be recommended for some children who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. This includes children with:

• Conditions that weaken the immune system
• Serious chronic illnesses
• Certain genetic conditions that affect their health
• Other factors their doctor has identified as increasing their risk

If your child has a health condition that puts them at higher risk, talk to their doctor about whether COVID-19 vaccination is right for them. The doctor can explain the benefits and any potential risks based on your child's specific situation.

Vaccines and Side Effects

Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines can cause some side effects. Common side effects are usually mild and go away within a day or two. They may include:

• Pain or redness at the injection site
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Low-grade fever

These side effects are signs that the body is building protection against the virus. Serious side effects from COVID-19 vaccines are very rare.

Does My Child Need to Be Tested for COVID-19?

Most children do not need COVID-19 testing unless recommended by a healthcare provider. Testing may be requested in certain situations, such as before surgery or if your child has specific symptoms. Home tests are available for convenience, but routine testing is generally not necessary for mild cold-like symptoms in children.

In the early days of the pandemic, testing was very important to help track the spread of COVID-19 and make decisions about quarantine and isolation. Now that we know more about the virus and it has become less severe, the need for testing has decreased for most people, including children.

For most children with mild cold-like symptoms, testing for COVID-19 is not necessary. The treatment and care are similar whether the symptoms are caused by COVID-19, a regular cold, or another respiratory virus - rest, fluids, and symptom management at home.

When Testing Might Be Needed

There are some situations where a doctor or nurse might ask your child to be tested for COVID-19:

• Before certain medical procedures: Some hospitals require testing before surgeries or other treatments
• If your child has specific symptoms: Sometimes doctors want to know exactly what's causing symptoms to make treatment decisions
• If your child has certain health conditions: Children at higher risk may benefit from knowing whether they have COVID-19
• For travel: Some countries or situations may require a negative test

How COVID-19 Testing Works

If your child does need to be tested, there are different ways the test can be done. The most common methods include:

• Nasal swab: A soft stick is gently inserted into the nose to collect a sample
• Throat swab: A sample is collected from the back of the throat
• Saliva test: Some tests just require spitting into a small container

Home test kits are also available in many places, allowing you to test at home if needed. These are convenient and give results within minutes. If you're unsure whether your child needs to be tested, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

How Can Children Protect Themselves from COVID-19?

Children can protect themselves from COVID-19 by washing their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering coughs and sneezes with their elbow or a tissue, staying home when sick, and avoiding touching their face. Good hygiene habits also help prevent the spread of colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

The good news is that the same healthy habits that help prevent colds and flu also help prevent COVID-19. Teaching children good hygiene is one of the best ways to keep them healthy - not just from COVID-19, but from all kinds of germs.

Handwashing: The Most Important Habit

Washing hands with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses. Children should wash their hands:

• Before eating: Always wash before meals and snacks
• After using the bathroom: Every time!
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose: Germs can spread through hands
• After playing outside: Especially after touching playground equipment
• After being in public places: After school, shops, or public transport

Other Helpful Habits

Besides handwashing, there are other simple things children can do to stay healthy:

• Cover coughs and sneezes: Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, not your hands. If you use a tissue, throw it away right after and wash your hands
• Stay home when sick: If you're not feeling well, rest at home so you don't spread germs to friends and classmates
• Avoid touching your face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands - this is how germs often get into your body
• Get fresh air: Spending time outdoors and keeping rooms well-ventilated helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses
• Stay healthy overall: Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep helps keep your immune system strong

How Can Parents Help Children Understand COVID-19?

Parents can help children understand COVID-19 by providing age-appropriate, honest information, answering questions calmly, focusing on what children can control (like handwashing), and reassuring them that most children recover quickly. It's important to acknowledge feelings, limit exposure to frightening news, and maintain normal routines as much as possible.

Children may have questions or worries about COVID-19, especially if they hear about it at school or from other children. How you talk about it can make a big difference in helping them feel safe and understand what's happening.

Tips for Talking to Children About COVID-19

Here are some helpful approaches for discussing COVID-19 with children:

• Keep it simple: Explain things in words your child can understand based on their age
• Be honest but reassuring: Tell the truth, but also emphasize the positives - like how most children get better quickly
• Listen to their concerns: Let children ask questions and share their feelings without dismissing them
• Focus on what they can do: Empower children by teaching them about handwashing and other things they can control
• Limit news exposure: Too much news about illness can be scary for children. Monitor what they see and hear
• Maintain routines: Normal daily routines help children feel secure
• Model calm behavior: Children pick up on adult anxiety, so try to stay calm when discussing the topic

If your child seems very anxious about COVID-19 or other health topics, and this anxiety is affecting their daily life, consider talking to their doctor or a child psychologist for additional support.