What To Do If Your Child Is Sick

In the vast majority of children, COVID-19 presents the same as the common cold virus. Unless your child is experiencing respiratory difficulties (such as having trouble breathing) or has had unprotected exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 positive person, the illnesses can be difficult to tell apart.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Symptomatic with no direct exposure to a COVID-19 positive person: Treat your child as if they have the common cold and have them evaluated by their pediatrician to determine if a COVID-19 test is necessary. Have them wash hands regularly, social distance and wear a mask. Avoid visiting high-risk people, such as grandparents, for at least 10 days.
• Symptomatic with direct exposure to a COVID-19 positive person: Have your child evaluated by their pediatrician to determine if a COVID-19 test is necessary. Quarantine at home for 14 days. Review the return-to-school policy for COVID-19 at your child’s school. Most children with a positive COVID-19 test are diagnosed within 7 days of experiencing symptoms and are no longer considered contagious by day 10.
• Asymptomatic with direct exposure to a COVID-19 positive person: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a 14-day quarantine at home. Monitor your child closely to see if symptoms develop. Have them wash hands regularly, social distance and wear a mask. If symptoms develop, have your child evaluated by their pediatrician to determine if a COVID-19 test is necessary. Review the return-to-school policy for COVID-19 at your child’s school.

Resources to Keep the Whole Family Healthy