COVID-19

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Below are the symptoms to look out for, ways to protect your family, and how to care for someone with COVID-19. 

Symptoms of COV​​ID-19

Symptoms  of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. They generally begin 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms can vary between people based on vaccination status and COVID-19 variants; however, possible symptoms include:

• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• runny nose
• fever
• sore throat,
• new loss of taste or smell
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• diarrhea.

Who is most at ​​​​risk and how does COVID-19 affect children and teens? 

According to the US. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), some people are more likely to get severe illness from COVID-19.  Those at increased risk include:

• Adults ages 65 and older
• Youth and adults who have serious chronic medical conditions like:  heart disease, diabetes, lung diseae (including asthma), conditions that weaken the immune system, anbd obesity. 

​While certain groups seem to be more at risk of severe disease, people of all ages can become severely ill from COVID-19. Youth with underlying medical conditions are most at risk for significant illness including youth with: 

• medical complexity
• genetic, neurologic, or metabolic conditions
• congenital heart conditions
• chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, and those who are immunocompromised. 

What about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C)?

MIS-C is a rare complication in children associated with a COVID-19 infection. Symptoms usually occur 4 weeks after a COVID-19 infection. 

Symptoms include

• fever
• red rash
• red lips
• red palms/soles
• red eyes
• trouble breathing occurs in half of affected patients
• less likely symptoms include: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting

Children with these symptoms need to be adminted to the hospital. It is treatable with IV medications. 

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are FDA approved for everyone 6 months and older. They are safe and effective and help protect from severe illness, hopsitalization, death, and protect the community around us. COVID-19 vaccines are updated yearly to give you the best protection from currently circulating strains. 

Side effects from the vaccine range from no side effects to other common side effects including: pain/swelling/redness where shot was given, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, low grade fever. It is not recommended to take tylenol or ibuprofen before vaccines to prevent side effects; however, it is ok to take after the vaccine. Additional comfort measures include rest, moving the extremity where vaccine was given, stay hydrated. 

We Were Just Infected with COVID-19 Should we Still get the Vaccine? 

Yes! If you have had a recent COVID-19 infection your vaccine can be delayed about 3 months from the beginning of the infection. The COVID-19 vaccine will provide added protection. 

You can get your COVID-19 vaccine at Lowry Pediatrics during your well child visit, sick visit, or call to make a nurse visit appointment to receive the vaccine!

Additional information regarding COVID-19 Vaccines:

• ​Getting the facts Straight on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 5 and Under
• What you Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Ages 6 months to 5 Years
• 6 Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children

COVID-19 Testing

Testing is more readily available now and can be a good tool to help you know if you our your child has COVID-19 and what to do next. We offer rapid COVID-19 testing in clinic. 

If you would like at-home COVID-19 tests, every U.S. hosehold is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests. You can order tests here. 

How COVID-19 spreads and how to protect your fa​​mily

COVID-19 is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets (very small particles) that contain the virus. A person can spread COVID-19 even if they do NOT have symptoms. Here are a few ways to protect your family:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. 
• Teach kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue (make sure to throw it away after each use!) or to cough and sneeze into their arm or elbow, not their hands.
• Clean and    disinfect      your home as usual using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.
• Avoid touching your face; teach your children to do the same.​

Talking to children about COVID​​-19

There's a lot of news coverage about the outbreak of COVID-19 and it can be overwhelming for parents and frightening to kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents and others who work closely with children to filter information and talk about it in a way that their child can understand. These tips can help:

• Simple reassurance. Remind children that researchers and doctors are learning as much as they can, as quickly as they can, about the virus and are taking steps to keep everyone safe.
• Give them control. It's also a great time to remind your children of what they can do to help – washing their hands often, coughing into a tissue or their sleeves, and getting enough sleep.
• Watch for signs of anxiety. Children may not have the words to express their worry, but you may see signs of it. They may get cranky, be more clingy, have trouble sleeping, or seem distracted. Keep the reassurance going and try to stick to your normal routines.
• Monitor their media. Keep young children away from frightening images they may se​e on TV, social media, computers, etc. For older children, talk together about what they are hearing on the news and correct any misinformation or rumors you may hear.
• Be a good role model. COVID-19 doesn't discriminate and neither should we. While COVID-19 started in Wuhan, China, it doesn't mean that having Asian ancestry – or any other ancestry – makes someone more susceptible to the virus or more contagious. Stigma and discrimination hurt everyone by creating fear or anger towards others. When you show empathy and support to those who are ill, your children will too.

More Informa​​tion on COVID-19:

• COVID-19 feature articles & tips on HealthyChildren.org​​

Last Updated: 01/07/2025

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2020)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.