Learning about COVID-19 has been an ongoing challenge for most of 2020. Even though researchers haven’t developed a successful vaccine yet, they have learned a lot of helpful information about how COVID-19 affects different groups of people. For parents, knowing how COVID-19 may impact their child is a big concern. Let’s discuss the latest information from the CDC about COVID-19 in children.

Can Children Get COVID-19?

Yes, children can get COVID-19. The number of cases in children does appear to be lower than the number of cases in adults, but this could be because a larger number of children are asymptomatic.

Which Children Are Considered High Risk?

High-risk children are more likely to develop a severe case of the virus. There are multiple factors that can make a child high risk including chronic medical conditions, a complex medical history, obesity, asthma, immune diseases, and being under 1 year of age. Determining if your child is high risk is best done by speaking with a healthcare provider, reviewing your child’s medical chart, and comparing that with CDC data. Even children who are not high risk should continue to follow COVID-19 precautions to avoid spreading the virus unknowingly.

How to Spot COVID-19 Symptoms in Children

Children aren’t always able to voice how they’re feeling or describe symptoms very well. Because of this, it’s important as a parent to know the warning signs of COVID-19 in children and remain extra attentive to them during this time. The most common COVID-19 symptoms in children include:

• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Sudden loss of taste or smell
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Cough

What to Do if You Think Your Child Has COVID-19

Now that you know what to look for, what happens if you begin noticing these symptoms in your child? Stay calm and keep your child home. Contact their pediatrician or AFC Urgent Care North Bergen to discuss your child’s symptoms further. If the physician agrees with your assessment, your child can get tested for COVID-19 at AFC Urgent Care North Bergen 7 days a week. They can also provide prescription medication to help manage your child’s symptoms if necessary.

COVID-19 Testing in North Bergen, NJ

Stay up to date with the latest local and state COVID-19 data in your area to have an accurate understanding of your child’s risk of exposure. If your child has been exposed or is exhibiting symptoms, schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing today. For questions about COVID-19 testing, please call 201-588-1300.