COVID-19: What Families Need to Know

COVID-19, discovered in December 2019, quickly became a global pandemic. Millions of children and teens have since received COVID vaccines. They played a crucial role in ending the pandemic, letting kids go back to school, play sports and spend time with friends.

Most families continue to stay up to date on recommended immunizations for their children. Childhood vaccines stop outbreaks from happening. And having the COVID vaccine available and covered by insurance has given families the benefit of protection.

Many parents are concerned about COVID and want to get the vaccine for their baby, child or teen. (Learn about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) COVID vaccine recommendations for babies, children and teens.)

Here's what to know about protecting your family and others.

Does COVID-19 affect children the same way as adults?

The virus continues to cause serious symptoms—even in children. Studies show that young children are more likely to get very sick from COVID and need hospital care. Pregnant women who receive the COVID vaccine help protect their infant during the first 6 months of life.

Certain health conditions also raise a child's risk of complications from COVID. (Treatments are available for some people who are at higher risk of getting seriously sick. Ask your pediatrician for details.) According to the AAP, these and other conditions can raise your risk:

• Obesity

• Conditions that affect the immune system

• Sickle cell disease

• Heart disease or congenital heart conditions

• Lung disease (including asthma)

• Diabetes

• Neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy

• ​Chronic kidney disease
  

• Complex medical conditions, including some that require breathing or feeding tubes, or home ventilators.

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID symptoms generally begin 2-14 days after a child is exposed to the virus. They include:

• fever and chills
  

• a cough

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• muscle or body aches

• headache

• loss of taste or smell

• sore throat

• congestion or runny nose

Less common COVID symptoms may include:

• fatigue
  

• nausea or vomiting

• diarrhea

Some children and teens with COVID, even with few or no symptoms, have developed conditions such as long COVID. And a child may have no symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.

If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, call your pediatrician right away.

How to keep your family healthy

Here are a few things you can do to help your kids avoid getting sick with COVID:

• Get the COVID vaccine. (Learn When Kids Should Get the COVID Vaccine.)
  

• If your child is at high risk, avoid crowded spaces and keep a safe distance from people who may be sick.
  

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that is 60% or higher alcohol-based.

• Teach kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue (make sure to throw it away after each use!) or into their arm or elbow, not their hands. Avoid touching your face; teach your children to do the same.

• Clean and disinfect your home as usual using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes. Wash stuffed animals or other plush toys, following manufacturer's instructions in the warmest water possible and dry them completely.

• Stay home if you are sick.

Remember

Children with mild illness usually can rest and recover at home. If possible, the sick person should stay in a room away from others, especially those who are at higher risk if they get COVID. Limit visitors in the house.

Monitor your child's symptoms. The goal is to make them feel comfortable, keep them hydrated and watch for signs of improvement. If their symptoms seem to get worse or you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician.

More information

• All About the Recommended Immunization Schedules

• When Should Kids Get the COVID Vaccine?

• Vaccine Ingredients: Frequently Asked Questions
  

• When All Four of Our Kids Got COVID