It has been over two years since the emergence of COVID-19 and questions have emerged such as, “Can babies get COVID?” Children, like adults, can contract this disease and it is always a good idea to be prepared and know what to expect.
Most children who get sick with COVID do not develop severe symptoms. However, inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) affects some kids who contract COVID-19. This syndrome can cause severe inflammation of the organs and blood vessels. While this condition is rare, it is still important to know what child COVID symptoms look like and the general signs of COVID in toddlers.
Child COVID Symptoms: When to go to an Urgent Care for Treatment
The Mayo Clinic explains that COVID-19 symptoms in babies, toddlers, and children may include:
- Fever
- Toddler cough/dry cough
- Loss of taste or smell
- Skin discoloration on hands and feet
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Body aches
- Extreme exhaustion
- Headache
- Congestion/runny nose (similar to the common cold)
The Mayo Clinic also mentions that most COVID symptoms in children are treatable from home, but it is important to monitor their symptoms. If symptoms worsen, urgent care centers as well as healthcare providers are here to help.
If you are wondering when it is appropriate to bring your child into an urgent care clinic for escalating COVID symptoms, look no further. According to Kids Health, if you are concerned about your child’s symptoms it is recommended to first call their pediatrician. Symptoms, like the ones listed below, are considered common symptoms that warrant a call to a healthcare professional.
- High fever
- COVID Cough (or persistent cough)
- Difficulty breathing
- Sore throat (COVID)
- Stomach pain
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
After you explain your child’s symptoms, the provider may advise your child to be seen via an in-person or telehealth visit. Telehealth, or virtual visits, are a convenient way to get you or your child evaluated and treated if symptoms are mild. If there are concerns about your little one’s breathing or having high fevers, it may be recommended to do an in-clinic evaluation so your child’s provider may check vitals, look in the ears, and listen to the lungs.
Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado offers telehealth visits to help prevent the spread of this terrible sickness, while also helping parents avoid a stressful trip to the doctor. Virtual provider visits can be easily scheduled online for your convenience.
After consulting a healthcare professional, it may also be recommended that your child be tested for COVID.
Can Children Get a COVID Test?
You may be wondering, “Can babies be tested for COVID?” The Mayo Clinic points out that, yes, babies can be tested, but it is up to “the doctor [to] determine whether to conduct diagnostic tests for COVID-19 based on your child’s signs and symptoms.”
According to the CDC, it is recommended that children be tested if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus. Like adults, testing options differ from one healthcare facility to another, but viral tests such as the antigen or molecular tests are typically available.
Nasal or oral swabs are collected to determine if the disease is present. Rapid Testing LLC partnered with Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado to offer curbside rapid antigen and molecular COVID testing at the urgent care’s clinics. Click here to learn more about testing options.
Come See Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine Today!
In the event that your little one falls ill, or If you suspect they may have COVID-19, make sure to contact a medical professional, like Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado.
Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine is here when you need care 7 days a week. This makes us a convenient option if you cannot get in to see your primary care doctor or want to avoid an expensive ER bill. Visit us today by reserving your spot online or simply walk-in to any of our clinics around the Denver metro area!