Coronavirus Outbreak And Kids

Overview

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. The one that caused the recent global outbreak is called SARS-CoV-2, and the illness it causes is known as COVID-19. COVID-19 mainly affects the breathing system — the nose, throat and lungs — but it can cause symptoms in other parts of the body too. In children, the illness is usually mild and most kids get better at home within a few days. A small number of children can become more unwell, which is why it helps to know what to look out for.

Yes. COVID-19 is now a common infection that circulates alongside colds and flu. Most children have had it at least once, and many will have it more than once over time. Because it is so widespread, catching it is not a sign that anyone did something wrong.

Anyone of any age can catch COVID-19, including babies and children. Children are often affected more mildly than adults. A small group of children are at higher risk of getting more unwell — for example, children with a weakened immune system, serious heart or lung conditions, or other long-term health problems. If your child has a long-term condition, ask your doctor whether they need any extra precautions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
• Dry or chesty cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Feeling very tired
• Headache
• Aches and pains
• Losing or changing the sense of taste or smell
• Feeling sick, vomiting or loose stools (diarrhoea)

Symptoms in children

• Many children have no symptoms at all, or just a mild sniffle
• Fever and a cough are the most common signs
• Sore throat, runny nose and earache
• Tummy ache, vomiting or diarrhoea — these seem to be more common in children than in adults
• Being extra sleepy, clingy or off their food
• A rash, sometimes looking like a heat rash or hives
• Very rarely, a few weeks after infection: ongoing high fever, red eyes, red lips, a rash, swollen glands, tummy pain and feeling very unwell — this is called MIS-C and needs same-day medical help
• Some children feel tired or have a lingering cough for a few weeks afterwards

Symptoms in older adults

• Breathlessness or difficulty breathing
• A new, continuous cough
• Fever, chills or shivering
• Feeling very tired, weak or confused
• Falls or worsening balance
• Loss of appetite or not drinking enough
• Symptoms can come on slowly and may not include a high temperature

Causes

Main causes

• The virus spreads mainly through tiny droplets and particles in the air when someone who is infected breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes nearby
• Close contact with someone who has the virus, especially indoors with poor airflow
• Touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth (thought to be a less common route)

Risk factors

• Living with someone who has COVID-19
• Being in crowded, indoor places with little fresh air
• Not being up to date with recommended vaccinations
• A weakened immune system or certain long-term health conditions
• Age under 1 year, or being born prematurely
• Being around people who cannot easily avoid contact with others, such as in some care settings

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any of the emergency signs listed above — call your local emergency number
• A fever in a baby under 3 months
• Signs of dehydration, or a child who will not drink
• Breathing that looks or sounds different from normal
• A rash that does not fade under a glass
• A child who seems to be getting worse rather than better after a few days

Book a routine appointment if:

• A cough or tiredness that lingers for more than three or four weeks
• You are unsure whether symptoms need checking
• Your child has a long-term condition and you want advice about monitoring them
• You have questions about vaccines or about returning to school or nursery
• Your child seems anxious or low in mood after being ill

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse usually recognises COVID-19 from the symptoms. If a test is needed — for example, because your child is at higher risk or because a hospital or care setting asks for one — it is done with a quick swab or a home test kit. Many families now test at home and only contact a health professional if symptoms are worrying.

Tests that may be done

• A swab test of the nose and throat (a PCR or lab test, or a rapid antigen home test)
• A blood test, if your child is unwell enough to need hospital assessment
• A chest X-ray or scan, only if there are concerns about the lungs
• Checks of oxygen levels using a small clip on the finger, if your child is being assessed

What to expect at your appointment

A swab takes seconds but can feel a bit tickly. Home test results usually come back within minutes, and lab results within a day or two. If your child is seen in person, the doctor will check their breathing, temperature, hydration and general alertness, and will ask about symptoms and any long-term conditions.

Treatment

For most children, treatment means resting at home, drinking plenty and being watched over. There is no need for special medicine in a mild case — the body clears the virus on its own. If your child is uncomfortable with fever or aches, ask your pharmacist or doctor which option is suitable for their age. Children who become more unwell may need to be looked after in hospital, where staff can support their breathing and keep them hydrated.

Self-care at home

• Offer plenty of fluids — water, milk or oral rehydration drinks — in small amounts often
• Let your child rest and sleep as much as they need
• Keep meals light and offer small snacks if their appetite is low
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and avoid overdressing a child with a fever
• Use a children's thermometer to keep track of their temperature
• Keep them home from school or nursery while they have a fever or feel unwell, following your local guidance
• Wash hands often and air out rooms to help protect others in the household
• Note down symptoms and times, so you can tell a health professional quickly if you need to

Medical treatments

There is no specific antiviral medicine needed for most children. In hospital, treatment focuses on support: oxygen if breathing is hard, fluids through a drip if a child cannot drink enough, close monitoring, and in the rare inflammatory reaction (MIS-C), treatment to calm inflammation. Doctors decide what is needed based on how unwell the child is. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not part of treatment for COVID-19. It is only relevant if a separate health problem needs an operation.

Living with this condition

While your child is unwell, keep things simple: quiet play, naps, favourite books and cuddles. Follow your local health advice about staying home. Once the fever has gone and they are eating and drinking normally, most children can go back to school or nursery, even if a mild cough lingers — coughs can last a few weeks. If your child has a long-term condition, check with your doctor about returning to normal activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep up routine vaccinations and any COVID-19 vaccines recommended for your child's age
• Teach handwashing with soap and water for about 20 seconds, and use hand gel when out
• Open windows and let fresh air in when people visit or when you travel together
• Encourage sleep, outdoor play and regular meals to keep the immune system strong
• Have a simple home plan: a thermometer, fluids, and the number for your local health service
• Keep children home when they are feverish, to protect classmates and staff

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet that treats or prevents COVID-19. Offer normal, balanced meals with fruit and vegetables, and plenty of fluids. While unwell, children may eat less — that is normal for a few days; drinks matter most. Once they feel better, gentle activity such as playing outside, walking or cycling helps rebuild strength. Build back up slowly if they have been tired for a while, and let them stop when they need to.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being ill, missing school and being apart from friends can make children anxious, sad or irritable. Younger children may become clingy or regress a little with sleep or toilet habits. Older children may worry about catching the virus or passing it on. These feelings usually settle with routine, reassurance and time. If your child's low mood, worry or sleep problems last more than a few weeks, or if you are struggling yourself, speak to your doctor — support is available. If you or your child are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourselves, contact your local emergency number or a crisis support line straight away.

Prevention

You cannot remove all risk, but you can lower it. Good handwashing, fresh air indoors, staying home when unwell and keeping vaccinations up to date all make a real difference. These simple habits also help protect grandparents and anyone in the household who is more vulnerable.

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are available for children in many countries, though the recommended ages and doses vary. Vaccination lowers the chance of serious illness. It does not completely stop infection, and it is usually offered mainly to children at higher risk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a vaccine is recommended for your child's age and health situation, and when.

Screening programmes

Routine screening of children is not usually needed. Testing is mainly used when a child has symptoms and a result would change what happens next — for example, before a hospital visit or when someone vulnerable lives at home. Follow the current guidance from your local health service.

Complications

If left untreated

• Most children need no specific treatment and recover fully
• Some children develop a lingering cough or tiredness for a few weeks
• A small number develop a rare inflammatory reaction (MIS-C) weeks after infection, which needs hospital care
• Serious lung infection (pneumonia) is uncommon in children but possible
• Missed school and time with friends can affect learning and mood

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children is very good. The great majority recover at home within days and have no lasting problems. Doctors now recognise the rare complications early and know how to treat them, which is why outcomes for children are so positive. If your child has a long-term condition, your care team can help you plan ahead so you feel confident about what to do.

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