When To See A Pediatrician If Your Child Has COVID-19
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No parent or guardian wants to receive the news that his or her child has tested positive for COVID-19. However, it is certainly possible for children to contract the illness, and it is important to know what to do in the event that your child receives a positive COVID-19 test. The professional team at Health Services of North Texas (HSNT) – with locations in Denton, Wylie, and Plano, TX – is committed to providing prompt, personalized, and effective care for patients during the coronavirus pandemic, including educating families on how to minimize their risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Learn more about COVID-19 and kids here, including what signs or symptoms may mean you need to call your child’s pediatrician.
Can kids get COVID-19?
Yes. Men, women, and children of any age can contract SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Fortunately, the illness often presents with much milder symptoms in children compared to adults, though that is not always the case. Some children, particularly those with underlying medical conditions or who are younger than two years of age, may be at higher risk for a severe case of COVID-19 and resulting complications. In both children and adults, however, COVID-19 may not produce any apparent symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that even asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, including children, can pass the virus on to others, for whom it may be a much more serious illness.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in children?
Although COVID-19 symptoms in children may be less severe, they are still fairly similar to the set of symptoms experienced by adults with COVID-19. Common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children and adults include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing (more common in adults)
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sudden loss of taste and/or smell
If your child is displaying symptoms you think may be associated with COVID-19, it is important to visit your nearest ER, urgent care, or doctor’s office to have them tested as soon as possible. As you await the results of your test, which are often available within 24 hours, you should keep your child home from school and isolated from other family members as much possible.
Do I need to take my child to the doctor if they have COVID-19?
It is always a good idea to keep your child’s pediatrician updated about changes in your child’s health. However, a positive COVID-19 test may not necessarily warrant an immediate trip to the pediatrician. The caring and attentive team of pediatricians and staff at Health Services of North Texas places your child’s health and safety as a top priority and will ensure you know what warning signs to watch for that may mean your child needs immediate medical treatment or monitoring for their COVID-19-related symptoms. If your child has tested positive for COVID-19 in Denton, Wylie, or Plano and begins to experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your pediatrician at HSNT right away:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Red eyes or lips
- Dry or cracked lips
- Pronounced fatigue
- Weakness
- Swelling in the extremities, hands, or feet
For even more severe symptoms in a child with COVID-19, seek immediate medical care at your nearest ER. These may include:
- Blue lips
- Labored breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Unresponsive
- Unable to wake up or stay awake
- Confusion or hallucination
How can I prevent my kids from getting COVID-19?
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce your child’s risk of exposure, it is critical to follow the recommended safety, health, and social practices, including:
- Wear a mask at all times in public, indoors, when social distancing is not possible, and when around persons not in your household (children under two years of age should not wear masks)
- Wash and sanitize your hands frequently
- Clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces regularly
- Practice social distancing
- Avoid personal contact (hugging, high-fiving, shaking hands, etc.) with persons outside your household
- Carefully monitor yourself and your family members for possible symptoms of COVID-19, including an elevated temperature and coughing or shortness of breath
Protect your child’s health with routine pediatric care in North Texas
Even without the coronavirus pandemic, monitoring your child’s growth, development, and overall health is essential. The exceptional team of providers at Health Services of North Texas is dedicated to providing reliable care for your children with routine wellness checks, immunizations, acute care, and more to give your family peace of mind. When it comes to COVID-19, our knowledgeable physicians are here to help you better understand how the coronavirus may impact your child and when it is appropriate to seek immediate care. If your child is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, we invite you to call one of our convenient HSNT locations in Denton, Plano, or Wylie, TX to learn more about the best course of action to get rapid symptom relief for your child and reduce the risk of spread.