COVID-19 in Children: Symptoms, Home Care & When to Seek Medical Help

A practical guide for parents from Dr. Balachandra BV.

COVID-19 in children can range from no symptoms to a mild respiratory illness. Children may experience fever, cough, cold symptoms, abdominal pain, loose stools or vomiting. The attached IAP parent handout notes that many children have mild or asymptomatic infection.

What Should Parents Do If Their Child Has COVID-19?

For a child with mild illness, parents should focus on:

• Adequate fluids and regular feeding

• Rest

• Monitoring fever and symptoms

• Using medicines such as paracetamol only as advised by the pediatrician

• Following up with the doctor if symptoms worsen

The Government of India's pediatric COVID guidance similarly emphasizes supportive care and monitoring of breathing, oral intake and oxygen saturation in children managed at home.

When Should Parents Seek Medical Attention?

Watch carefully for warning signs such as:

Persistent or high fever, especially when it is not settling; poor drinking or eating; unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking; fast or difficult breathing; or low oxygen saturation when measured appropriately. These are among the warning signs highlighted in the attached parent handout.

Children with conditions such as heart disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer or reduced immunity, obesity, asthma or chronic lung disease may require closer medical assessment.

Should Parents Give Antibiotics or Other COVID Medicines?

Parents should not start antibiotics, antivirals or other prescription medicines on their own. Treatment should be based on the child's symptoms, examination and risk factors. The attached handout specifically cautions against unsupervised use of azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin.

What About Testing?

Testing may be considered when a child has symptoms or a significant exposure. The attached handout identifies RT-PCR as the preferred test and notes that a negative rapid antigen test may require confirmation depending on the clinical situation.

5 Questions Parents Commonly Ask

1. Can children have COVID-19 without symptoms?
Yes. Some children may have no noticeable symptoms.

2. What are common COVID symptoms in children?
Fever, cough and cold symptoms are common; some children may also have gastrointestinal symptoms.

3. When should I take my child to hospital?
Seek urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, significant lethargy, inability to drink, persistent concerning fever or other serious deterioration.

4. Should I give antibiotics for COVID-19?
Not routinely. Do not give antibiotics or other prescription medicines without medical advice.

5. Can I consult the pediatrician remotely?
For mild illness, contacting your pediatrician for initial guidance can help determine whether your child needs an in-person assessment.

Need Pediatric Advice?

If your child has fever, cough, breathing difficulty, COVID-19 exposure, or persistent symptoms, consult Dr. Balachandra BV at Chirayu Multispeciality Clinic, Kasturinagar, Bangalore for individualized pediatric assessment or Call: 9663358193.