COVID in Babies and Kids: Symptoms and Prevention

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Updated on Feb 17, 2022

COVID-19 cases among babies and children remain high, co-ordinate to information from the American University of Pediatrics. It is important for parents and kids to take every possible safety precaution and sympathise all risks and symptoms related to COVID-19.

Aaron Milstone, Yard.D., Grand.H.S., a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins Children'southward Center and an infectious disease practiced at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, talks almost COVID-19 symptoms in children, how to go along babies and kids safety, the risk infected children may pose to others, and an overview of MIS-C, an uncommon but serious condition that may be related to exposure to the virus.

What should parents know virtually coronavirus variants in babies and children?

Coronavirus variants, including the very contagious omicron variant, continue to spread, particularly in areas with low rates of community COVID-19 vaccination and among populations such every bit children nether 5 who cannot however be vaccinated.

For children too young to be vaccinated (and adults who have non received coronavirus vaccines) it is important to follow proven COVID-nineteen precautions such as mask wearing when in public, indoor places to reduce the chance of condign infected with the coronavirus.

"Indoor activities are riskier than outdoor activities, but risk tin can be reduced by masking, distancing, mitt washing, and improved ventilation," Milstone says.
Parents and caregivers should understand that children infected with the coronavirus can develop complications requiring hospitalization, and can transmit the virus to others.

In rare cases, children infected with the coronavirus can develop a serious lung infection and become very sick with COVID-xix, and deaths take occurred. That's why information technology is important to use precautions and prevent infection in children as well every bit adults.

Tin can newborns and babies get COVID-19?

It appears that women infected with the coronavirus can, in very rare cases, pass the illness to her baby. Infants can too become infected before long after being born. According to the U.S. Centers for Affliction Control and Prevention (CDC), nigh newborns who exam positive for the coronavirus have mild symptoms or none at all, and recover, just serious cases have occurred. Pregnant women should take extra precautions, including talking to your doctor near getting a COVID-19 vaccine, to avoid the coronavirus.

At that place is no prove that the virus causing COVID-19 is present in breast milk but because there is a possibility of spreading COVID-19 during breastfeeding through respiratory droplets, it is very important to follow prophylactic guidelines. Larn more than near COVID and breastfeeding.

COVID symptoms in babies, toddlers and children?

Generally, COVID-19 symptoms in kids and babies are milder than those in adults, and some infected children may not have whatsoever signs of beingness sick at all.

COVID-19 symptoms for children and adults include:

  • Coughing
  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of jiff or difficulty animate
  • Musculus or body aches
  • Sore pharynx
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • New fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Congestion or runny nose

Some symptoms of COVID-nineteen and the influenza are shared and it may be hard to make up one's mind which of either might be present.

"People with flu-similar symptoms should be careful about exposing other people and should get tested to see if they have COVID," says Milstone. "Testing for influenza virus can besides be important, as available medicines can assistance reduce symptoms in those with influenza."

Fever and coughing are common COVID-19 symptoms in both adults and children; shortness of breath is more likely to be seen in adults. Children can take pneumonia, with or without obvious symptoms. They can also experience sore throat, excessive fatigue or diarrhea.

However, serious disease in children with COVID-xix is possible, and parents should stay alert if their kid is diagnosed with, or shows signs of, the disease.

Children with COVID-xix: When to Call 911

Parents or guardians should immediately seek urgent or emergency medical care if they notice these warning signs in a kid:

  • Difficulty animate or catching his or her breath
  • Inability to keep downward whatsoever liquids
  • New defoliation or inability to awaken
  • Blueish lips
illustration of a superhero punching a germ

Paw-washing and Coronavirus Prevention for Children

Hand-washing — along with limiting exposure to people who are (or might be) sick with COVID-19 — is key to keeping your children healthy. Our expert shares how to properly wash hands and make information technology fun for the whole family.

Risk Factors for Serious COVID-xix in Children

Data from the CDC report indicate that some children may exist at a college adventure for a serious case of COVID-19, needing medical care in a hospital:

  • Those under historic period 2
  • Blackness and Latino children, who can be affected by health disparities, leaving them disproportionately vulnerable to severe COVID-19 complications
  • Children who were born prematurely
  • Those living with obesity or chronic lung affliction

If you think your child is ill with COVID-19, trust your instinct, especially if the child has a cough or fever. Contact your pediatrician, family unit care practitioner or urgent care clinic if y'all don't have a doctor, and follow their instructions advisedly regarding isolation and testing.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Doctors have noted that some children may experience a status called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C after an infection with the coronavirus.

Phone call your family physician or pediatrician correct away if your child experiences a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or more that lasts more than than 24 hours and at least one of these symptoms:

  • Unusual weakness or fatigue
  • A crimson rash
  • Abdominal (belly) pain
  • Airsickness and diarrhea
  • Red, cracked lips
  • Cerise eyes
  • Swollen hands or feet

Learn more than well-nigh MIS-C.

Children with Medical Conditions

How can immunocompromised kids get the intendance they need?

Lexie DeLone, a child life specialist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, says, "Your child'due south care squad is your go-to resources. It's OK to ask your child's doctor about what specific steps they are taking to provide treatment for your child while preventing COVID-xix and if getting your child vaccinated is advisable," she says.

Some part visits and follow-ups may be able to shift to telemedicine, just other treatments require your child's physical presence. "Parents tin can remind children that their handling is important to keep them salubrious, DeLone says. "Older children and teens might exist aware of the fact that their bodies could have a harder fourth dimension fighting the virus if they encounter it.

Parents can reassure them that hospitals are enlightened of patients' vulnerabilities, and are prepared and using precautions."

Asthma: Children with asthma may accept more severe symptoms from COVID-19 or whatsoever other respiratory disease, including the flu. There are no indications that virtually children with asthma experience astringent symptoms due to the coronavirus, but observe them carefully and, if symptoms develop, call the child's doctor to discuss next steps and to arrange appropriate evaluation as needed. Keep your child's medications refilled and take extra care to avoid things that set off asthma attacks in your child.

Diabetes: Control of blood saccharide is key. Children with well-managed diabetes are not expected to be more susceptible to COVID-19. But poorly controlled diabetes can weaken the immune system, then parents and doctors should watch these children carefully for signs and symptoms that may require evaluation.

How to Protect Your Kids from the Coronavirus and COVID-19

Have your child vaccinated for COVID

Experts, including those at Johns Hopkins, believe that there are many benefits to vaccinating children for COVID-19. The CDC recommends vaccines for children 5 and older.

"The omicron variant is very contagious leaving unimmunized people at high risk of infection," says Milstone. "Vaccination reduces chance of infection, but most chiefly, significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from this and other variants."

Children age 12 or older who accept received both required doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least v months agone can receive a booster shot. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the simply vaccine and booster authorized for individuals ages 12–17.

Children age 5 and older who accept certain medical conditions associated with immunosuppression tin receive an additional dose 28 days after their second dose.

Learn more nigh the COVID-19 vaccine and what parents demand to know.

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Protecting Younger Kids from COVID-19

While a vaccine may be authorized for children under five in the next few months, until that happens, Milstone says that the best style to keep them safer is to avoid exposing them to people who are (or who might be) sick with the coronavirus, including family members. Hither are three of the best ways to protect your kids from infection.

Maintain concrete distancing. The more than people your kids come in contact with, and the longer the duration of that contact, the higher the hazard of infection with the coronavirus.

  • Children should stay at least 6 feet from others exterior of their household.
  • Check your kids' day care and schools (if they are open) to ensure physical distancing measures are in place.
  • Limit in-person play with other children, and exist sure the children wear masks properly.
  • Ensure that children limit close contact with children and adults who are vulnerable, such as those with health atmospheric condition.

Wear a mask. Very contagious coronavirus variants are circulating. Mask wearing prevents virus spread and outbreaks. This is i reason why the Centers for Disease Command and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend masking for children in grades K-12, even for those who are fully vaccinated. Data continue to support the value of masking in schools to preclude infections. Milstone suggests that parents help younger children practise wearing masks before returning to schoolhouse so kids are comfortable wearing them in class.

Paw hygiene. Kids should wash their easily subsequently using the bathroom, sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose, before eating (even snacks) and immediately after coming inside from playing outdoors.

Milstone advises parents to teach kids to wash their hands regularly, with lather and warm water, for at least 20 seconds. "They can assist keep rails of time past singing the ABCs, which takes virtually xx seconds to finish," he says. If soap and water are not available, Milstone says the next all-time choice is mitt sanitizer containing at least 60% booze.

Kids who balk. Milstone says, "If your child is refusing to wash their hands or condign very upset when asked to do so, it might assist to requite them a small reward, such as a sticker, to celebrate each time they launder their hands. Compliment them for doing a really proficient job while washing their hands." Information technology also helps when parents set an example by washing their ain hands often.

v Tips Kids Need to Know virtually Covid-xix

Kids and families can reduce coronavirus adventure together

Though in nigh cases COVID-nineteen seems to have less serious wellness consequences for children than for adults, it is important to avoid infection among children. Here'due south how parents and guardians can help:

Get all your shots. Ensure that all family unit members receive COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they are eligible, and the same goes for flu shots and other vaccinations.

Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and be on the lookout for serious illness in kids.

Cough and sneeze with care. "Encourage everyone in the family to cough and sneeze into their elbow, instead of their hands, and to wash their hands subsequently each time this occurs," Milstone says. "Throw away tissues after they are used," he adds.

Keep hands off faces. Parents should remind children to avert touching their face as much as possible. Milstone says it can help if kids carry a toy that volition go on their hands busy, but he notes that parents should wash those toys regularly.

Keep things clean. Wipe down toys and surfaces your child touches regularly, peculiarly when traveling or when near a person who is sick. Clean surfaces at dwelling house and store cleaners in cabinets that are either as well high for your child to achieve or are secured with childproof cabinet locks.

Accost anxiety and stress. Talking things over as a family can help identify specific fears and analyze the facts. It also helps for families to discuss a plan in case someone gets sick or something else happens that interrupts the normal routine.

"Children will look to you when deciding how to experience about COVID-xix. If yous feel calm and prepared, they are likely to feel similarly," Milstone notes.

Scientist carefully insets a pipette into a test tube.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What yous need to know from Johns Hopkins Medicine.