Written by Here is what we know about COVID-19 in kids as of September 2023:
- Children are less likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 than adults. However, some children do get sick enough to need hospitalization, and there have been a few deaths.
- The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children are fever, cough, and fatigue. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Children can also be infected with COVID-19 and not have any symptoms.
- Some children who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 include those with underlying medical conditions such as obesity, asthma, and heart disease.
- There are vaccines available for children 6 months of age and older. Vaccination is the best way to protect children from COVID-19.
Here are some things parents can do to protect their children from COVID-1:
- Get their children vaccinated.
- Keep their children home from school or daycare if they are sick.
- Encourage their children to wash their hands often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings.
If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor.