Dr. Gigi Chawla
What about kids and COVID? COVID-19 is all over the news, but there’s not much being reported about kids. What happens to kids who get COVID-19 — and should I still bring my child in for regular check-ups during this time? You might not be hearing much about COVID-19 in children, but they are getting it. Any age can get COVID-19. Fewer children than adults are showing signs of infection, and it appears they experience milder symptoms than adults do. Like adults, children with underlying health conditions seem to be more susceptible to severe symptoms. Many children who are exposed are likely asymptomatic and aren’t being tested at this time. Even though symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the cold or flu, there are some key differences: Older kids who can describe symptoms may mention or experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever and dry cough. There’s usually no sneezing, which is more common with a cold or allergies. Severe body aches, which are more common with influenza, are also not commonly mentioned. Otherwise, symptoms may look more like the common cold — with only half of symptomatic kids having a fever. How to react: If you think your child has COVID-19, which may just appear to be a common cold, please keep your kids at home. Kids can spread the virus to adults just like any infectious illness.
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May/June 2020 • mnparent.com
In most cases, the symptoms that kids have are mild and can be managed at home with plenty of rest, regular hand washing, covering coughs and separating the sick child from the rest of the family as much as possible. Kids with symptoms of COVID-19 can leave home once they meet three conditions: Seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared; their cough has improved; and three or more days have passed since their last fever, without a fever-reducing medication. If you think medical care is needed, call your primary care clinic first before going in. Your pediatrician can give you the next best steps, including if an emergency room visit is needed. It’s understandable that you’re worried about you and your children going out to places during COVID-19. Preventing COVID-19 through frequent hand-washing is critical to your child’s health and the
Even though symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the cold or flu, there are some key differences. health of those around them. It’s also equally important to make sure that the rest of your child’s health isn’t put on hold: Virtual appointments: Virtual care has seen a rapid expansion during this pandemic — and for good reason. You can video chat with your child’s doctor from the comfort of your home. The doctors can see, hear and talk with you, just like an in-person appointment. Virtual care can be an ideal type of visit for mental health and behavioral health care, especially with many kids experiencing emotional challenges during
