Advanced Pediatrics and Neonatology

COVID-19 in Children

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be about the same for children as in adults, at 2-14 days with an average of 6 days.

Children infected with SARS-CoV-2 may have many of these non-specific symptoms, only have a few (such as only upper respiratory symptoms or only gastrointestinal symptoms), or maybe asymptomatic. The most common symptoms in children are cough and/or fever. A recent systematic review estimated that 16% of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection are asymptomatic, but evidence suggests that as many as half of pediatric infections may be asymptomatic. The signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children are similar to those of other infections and noninfectious processes, including influenza, streptococcal pharyngitis, and allergic rhinitis.

As of October 22, 2020, remdesivir, an antiviral agent, was the only drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19. It was indicated for the treatment of COVID-19 disease in hospitalized adults and children aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg.

Understanding COVID-19 in Kids:

• Understanding COVID-19 in kids involves recognizing the symptoms, transmission, and specific considerations for managing the coronavirus in children.

• Example: Recognizing that children can experience mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infections but can still transmit the virus to others.

Vaccination for Children:

• Vaccination for children is the administration of vaccines to protect them from infectious diseases and build immunity.

• Example: Administering the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to children at the recommended age.

Safety Measures for COVID-19:

• Safety measures for COVID-19 are precautions and guidelines to protect children and families during the pandemic.

• Example: Wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and following public health recommendations to reduce COVID-19 transmission.