COVID-19 News: COVID-19 And Children

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

10/16/2020

COVID-19 is a new disease that we are still learning more about it each day, including how it affects children and the role they may play in spreading the virus.

While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others.

Here are three important things to know about COVID-19 and children:

• Children have similar symptoms as adults. In children, symptoms are frequently mild and appear similar to colds, strep throat or allergies. Most commonly, children with COVID-19 have fever or cough. Children are also more likely to show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain (stomachache) and other gastrointestinal problems than adults.

• Children can exhibit severe symptoms. Some children do get severely ill from COVID-19. Babies under 1 year old and children with certain underlying conditions may be more likely than other children to have severe illness from COVID-19. More information and updates for people with certain medical conditions is available from the CDC.

• Do not ignore symptoms. Now is not the time to ignore a runny nose. Children (and adults) need to stay home when they are sick. Call your child’s healthcare provider to discuss whether your child needs to be evaluated or tested for COVID-19. Testing is available across the Fairfax Health District.

It is crucial that everyone — children and adults — practice recommended health safety guidelines:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Keep at least six feet between them and people outside of their household
• Wear a face covering if older than 2 years old
• Avoid people who are sick

For more information about COVID-19 and children, visit Fairfax County Health Department's COVID-19 and Children page.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.