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. Some children can get severely ill with COVID-19. In rare cases, severe illness in children might lead to death. Also, children with certain underlying conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and sickle cell disease, may be more likely to have severe illness from COVID-19. So, it is important for children to stay up to date and get all recommended vaccines (CDC).
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in adults and children and can look like symptoms of other common illnesses such as colds, strep throat, or allergies. Call your child's healthcare provider to discuss whether to get your child tested or to seek medical care for severe symptoms.
In some cases, children with COVID-19 might develop a rare but serious complication called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS‑C). Contact your child’s healthcare provider if your child has symptoms of MIS-C: fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, bloodshot eyes, or dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure). Seek emergency care if your child shows any of these warning signs of MIS‑C: trouble breathing; pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds; or severe abdominal pain. For more information and resources, see the MIS-C Info for Parents section of the CDC website.