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Pediatrician Staffer

Covid and Kids in Tampa and abroad.


What you need to know

Children & teens can get COVID-19.

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. Children, like adults, who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms (“asymptomatic”) can still spread the virus to others.

According to the CDC, Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all. However, some children can get severely ill from COVID-19. They might require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe. In rare cases, they might die.

Babies under 1 year old and children with certain underlying conditions may be more likely to have severe illness from COVID-19. If your child has asthma, diabetes, heart disease, genetic conditions, neurological conditions, obesity, etc.-- they may be at a higher risk for severe complications with Covid-19. These are NOT all the underlying conditions that might increase the risk for severe illness in children.

Symptoms of coronavirus in children

The most common symptoms for Coronavirus in children are fever and cough.


OTHER SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE:

Nasal congestion or runny nose

Sore throat

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Headache

Muscle aches

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

Poor feeding or poor appetite

New loss of taste or smell

Belly pain

Pink eye (conjunctivitis)



What to do if your child has symptoms

If your child has any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:


Get a test to check if they have coronavirus as soon as possible.

You, your child and anyone else you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get the test result – only leave your home to have the test.


Call your doctor if your child has a fever, cough, trouble breathing, sore throat, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or just doesn't feel well. If your child has been near someone with coronavirus or been in an area where lots of people have coronavirus, tell the doctor. Talk about whether your child needs a test for coronavirus. The doctor can decide whether your child if your child can be treated with home methods, treated with telemedicine, or needs to come in for an in person check up.


Watch for signs that your child might need more medical help. Go to the ER if your child:


looks very sick to you

has breathing problems. Look for muscles pulling in between the ribs or the nostrils puffing out with each breath.

is confused or very sleepy

has chest pain

has cold, sweaty, pale or blotchy skin

is dizzy

has very bad belly pain

Call 911 if your child is struggling to breathe, is too out of breath to talk or walk, or turns blue or has fainted.



COVID-19 prevention tips

There are many steps you can take to prevent your child from getting the virus that causes COVID-19 and, if he or she does become sick, to avoid spreading it to others. The CDC and WHO recommend that you and your family:


1.Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze


  1. Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone who is sick or has symptoms. Minimize trips outside your house. When you do go out, leave your children at home — if possible. Since people without symptoms can spread the virus, don't allow your child to have in-person playdates with children from other households — even if they are all feeling well

  2. Clean and disinfect your home. Focus on cleaning surfaces every day in common areas that are frequently touched, such as tables, doorknobs, hard-backed chairs, light switches, remotes, electronics, handles, desks, toilets and sinks. Also, clean areas that easily get dirty, such as a baby's changing table, and surfaces that your child often touches, such as his or her bed frame, craft table, toy chest and toys.

  3. Wear cloth face masks. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public places, such as the grocery store, where it's difficult to avoid close contact with others.



ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:





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