The new coronavirus causes an illness called COVID-19. This virus impacts people of all ages, however symptoms vary widely with each individual. Symptoms are also similar to those of other common illnesses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the emergency use of two vaccines to prevent COVID-19: one for people 16 years of age and another for people over age 18. Boston Children’s Hospital expects to receive limited amounts of COVID-19 vaccine from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Per state guidance, health care workers will be the first group to receive the vaccine. Careful planning is ongoing to ensure staff receiving the vaccine are prioritized in accordance with state guidelines.
Two experts in infectious disease talk about the COVID-19 vaccines, safety, and what needs to happen before we can stop wearing masks.
The drug company Pfizer recently announced they had opened their clinical trial of the COVID-19 vaccine to teens as young as 16. And as vaccine trials move into phase 3 testing, it’s likely that other drug companies will follow suit.
Doctors think coronaviruses spread from person to person through tiny drops of saliva or fluids from the mouth or nose. These drops are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is similar to the way the flu and other respiratory diseases spread. The spread of coronaviruses between people usually happens when they are in close contact with each other. Some viruses can spread easily and quickly while other viruses are harder to spread. We are still learning about this coronavirus and how it spreads.
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.
As 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.
Massachusetts pediatric testing sites for COVID-19
How to use this map: Search by address, town, or zip code. Red markers indicate individual testing sites. Blue numbers indicate more than one testing site in the area. Click on a testing site for the address and hours of operation. Some also provide type of test available and age range. For a list of testing sites, choose the list view.
Download a list of testing sites
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
If your child has tested positive for COVID-19, and your child’s medical team has determined that your child is ready to go home from the hospital, this sheet describes important steps to take at home. Download the tipsheet.
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.The CDC recommends that everyone over age 2 wear a cloth face covering when they have to go out in public.
How 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.
As we head into the winter with COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon, now is the time to hunker down and reduce your transmission footprint.
The treatment is supportive care, such as providing oxygen or breathing support if needed, and keeping patients hydrated.
Have you and your children received your flu shots yet? If not, it’s important to get them as soon as possible — especially this year.
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