The CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. This virus causes an illness called COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). The new CoV-2 coronavirus emerged in the city of Wuhan, China last year and is currently spreading around the globe. The first case in the United States was confirmed on January 21, 2020.
Many parents are still understandably nervous about the effects of coronavirus in children — especially those with underlying health conditions. Most children and teens infected with COVID-19 appear to have had mild to moderate symptoms. But the COVID-19 pandemic may have other effects on kids, including stress, fear, anxiety, and frustration. Here’s how Boston Children’s is addressing coronavirus in children.
In her weekly segment with WCVB-TV channel 5, Boston Children’s Kristin Moffitt, MD, discusses the re-opening of camps and daycares and what parents should consider ahead of going back as well as talking to children about how to practice social distancing.
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People with COVID-19 may have mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. At this time, the focus is on individuals with respiratory illness, particularly those with one or more of the key symptoms: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; or at least two of these symptoms:
If you’re worried whether you have symptoms of COVID-19, you can check them with Boston Children’s virtual symptom checker.
COVID-19 tests: What families should knowAs schools and businesses work to safely reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, testing for COVID-19 is more important than ever. While the tests have one goal — to detect whether someone is or has been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 — they work in different ways. Dr. Alexander McAdam, director of our Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, shares what families should know.
Call your healthcare provider to discuss your child’s symptoms and follow their guidance regarding ongoing monitoring, treatment, and testing considerations. Currently, testing needs to be approved by the Department of Public Health.
Before you go to the hospital, read this story with your child to help them understand what to expect.
If your child is scheduled for a throat swab, this story will help them know what to expect.
My Hospital Test: Throat Swab
If your child is scheduled for a nasal swab, this story will help them know what to expect.
My Hospital Test: Nasal Swab
Wash your hands often with soap and water, following CDC handwashing guidelines.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and immediately wash your hands. 
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean and disinfect areas that people often touch, like toys, doorknobs, and other metal and plastic surfaces.
Practice social distancing.
How masks protect against COVID-19: Understanding the scienceHow do masks protect against COVID-19 spread? What is the best kind for my child? What about neck gaiters? Our own Dr. Thomas Sandora, hospital epidemiologist, explains how face masks can help keep you and your family safe.
Social distancing means staying at home except to run essential errands, such as going to the grocery store and pharmacy. When you do go out, maintain a distance of at least six feet between you and other people. Unfortunately, you should not arrange play dates with children who don’t live with you until the outbreak is under control. You can, however, go outside and play with your child, as long as they maintain a distance of six feet from other people.
Because the virus is spread from person to person, social distancing is critical to avoiding infection. To that end, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s issued a stay-at-home advisory on March 24, 2020.
Distant exposures are unlikely to be a concern. However, close contact for prolonged periods would be of more concern, in which case call your child’s primary care doctor to find out if they recommend getting your child tested. In the meantime, you should follow the CDC’s recommendations for preventing the spread of coronavirus in your home.
We recommend that you call your child’s primary care doctor and follow the CDC’s recommendations for preventing the spread of coronavirus in your home.
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