COVID: What To Do if Your Child is Sick

Sick with symptoms of COVID-19 COVID: What To Do if Your Child is Sick

While cases of COVID-19 are declining across the U.S., the virus is still circulating throughout communities. Unfortunately, while children are less likely than adults to become severely ill from COVID-19, they’re just as likely to catch it.  

It’s important to monitor your child’s health and look out for the warning signs of a the infection. Here, we’ll discuss how to spot the symptoms in children and what to do if your child becomes sick.

The Most Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children

Among children, the most prevalent symptoms of a COVID-19 infection include:

  • Headache 
  • New loss of taste/smell
  • Fever 
  • Upset stomach
  • Cough
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat

On average, COVID-19 symptoms appear around 6 days after being exposed to the virus. However, this incubation period has been found to differ depending on the variant. The incubation period for the omicron variant, for example, is often around 3 days – significantly shorter than that of previous variants. 

What To Do if Your Child is Sick

If your child is sick with symptoms of COVID-19, quarantine and get them tested as soon as possible. If the test comes back positive, your child should isolate at home to prevent the spread of the virus throughout your household. However, continue to monitor your child’s symptoms and seek out immediate medical care if severe symptoms, (including trouble breathing, chest pain, loss of speech/mobility, and confusion), develop. 

If your child’s test comes back negative, have them stay home from school until their symptoms go away. Their symptoms may be the result of a different viral infection, such as the common cold or RSV.  

Vaccines have been approved for children ages 5 and up. The CDC recommends that children get vaccinated to prevent severe illness with the virus and help limit its spread. 

At Family Medical Centers, we offer family health care to help you and your loved ones stay healthy amidst the pandemic. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!