What are the signs of COVID-19 in children?

CDC has reported cases of COVID-19 in children of different age groups. Preschoolers and children in middle childhood tend to have milder illnesses compared to teenagers. Teens may have a fever, shortness of breath, and severe cough. 

• Infants under age 1. Babies under 1 year of age infected with COVID-19 become carriers of the pathogen. But the infants themselves usually experience mild and asymptomatic illnesses.
• Kids aged 1 to 5. COVID-19 patients of this age may have an increase in body temperature, poor appetite, and scratchy throat. Some children also have runny noses. Overall, the symptoms resemble those of slight cold.
• Children aged 5 to 12. Children aged between 5 and 12 years tend to suffer from more severe symptoms and have diarrhea on top of the typical signs.
• Children over the age of 12. The older a child is, the more severe symptoms he or she is likely to exhibit. In kids older than 12, COVID-19 may sometimes present in a manner that resembles URI and stomach flu.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children

• Sore, scratchy throat
• Elevated body temperature
• Runny nose
• Dry cough — is one of the main signs of COVID-19. Most children, once infected, develop a mild cough that gets worse every day and is often accompanied by elevated body temperature.
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Headache
• Light sensitivity

According to U.S. studies, an average of 75% of infected children experience cough, and 90% of them have high body temperature.

How Long will COVID-19 Last if a Child Gets it?

The incubation period for children is around 5 to 7 days. Most patients usually recover within 1 or 2 weeks. The disease may progress depending on the severity of symptoms and the timing of the treatment. At first signs of illness described above, it is advised that you seek medical attention for your child to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Tips for Keeping Children Healthy in the Times of COVID-19 Pandemic

• Do not invite friends and relatives to your house.
• Frequently wash hands with soap.
• Drink more water.

These simple recommendations will help to avoid exposure to the virus and, therefore, keep you and your loved ones safe.

Not sure about your symptoms? Please make an appointment at Lake Conway for medical advice.

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More Information about Childhood Diseases

• Kids and Strep Throat
• Symptoms of Common Cold in Children