12/08/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/08/2021 18:06
Updated December 8, 2021.
Keeping your kids healthy is a regular daily challenge. Add to that a global pandemic though, and your stress levels are sure to skyrocket. As local and state health authorities continue to issue new guidance about COVID-19 each day, you may be more worried about your child's health than usual. And while it's easy to practice good hygiene and limit physical contact as an adult, protecting your kids from germs isn't always so simple. Here's what you need to know about COVID-19 and children:
How does COVID-19 affect kids?
Though adults make up most of the severe cases to date, children and teenagers have also made up an increasing share of cases over the last year. As we face a more contagious variant and community transmission increases, a larger proportion of children may be exposed or infected. The good news, however, is that most children with confirmed Covid-19 have generally shown mild symptoms. For many, that means cold or flu-like symptoms like fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Some children have also experienced sore muscles, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea. Research has shown that children may also not present any symptoms at all, yet test positive for COVID-19, suggesting that they can spread the virus even if they appear healthy. It's important to note though that while there have been fewer hospitalizations for children with COVID-19 than adults, a small percentage of kids may develop severe symptoms, including trouble breathing and significant lung problems. Studies indicate that young infants in particular may be at higher risk for developing these serious symptoms than older children. Rarely, children may develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a severe and serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and treatment.
How can I protect my child?
The best way to protect your child is to vaccinate all eligible family members and close contacts, including children ages 5 years and older. Additionally, unvaccinated children over the age of 2 years should continue wearing well-fitted masks with good filtration in all indoor and crowded outdoor settings outside of the home. Older children and adults who are vaccinated should also wear masks in indoor settings where community transmission is high. We recommend practicing good hygiene in the same way you would protect yourself from the cold and flu and teaching your child to do the same. Here are additional some steps you can take to protect your family during COVID-19:
Should my child wear a mask?
The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that unvaccinated children 2 years and older wear a cloth face covering when indoors with others outside of their household. Older vaccinated children are advised to wear a mask when indoors in areas with high community transmission of COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and AAP recommend that all children over age 2 years, regardless of immunization status, wear a mask when in the school or childcare setting. Face masks help prevent the spread of the virus from children to others and may offer protection to your child as well. It is especially important that your child wear a mask or face covering if they are experiencing symptoms or need to be around those who may be considered high-risk. Children under age 2 years should not wear cloth face coverings. Given what we now know about the increased transmissibility of the current variant, it is important that children wear masks covering their nose and mouth with a nice snug fit. Masks with multiple layers, filters, or those designated KN95 or KF94 may provide superior protection.
What should I do if my child is sick?
If your child is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms we recommend scheduling a testing appointment. You can learn more about COVID-19 testing at One Medical here. We advise that your child remains isolated from non-household contacts until:
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If someone in the household becomes ill, it is safest to keep them separate from other family members and have them stay in a specific room and use their own bathroom if possible. You might consider designating one adult to care for a sick child if there are multiple children in the home. For more information on caring for someone with COVID-19, see here.
If you have questions about caring for your child or your child's symptoms, you can use the One Medical app to contact our virtual medical care team 24/7.
Symptoms that should be addressed immediately, and may warrant visiting an ER, include the following:
Is One Medical testing kids?
We are testing kids 14 and younger at all offices in locations where we offer pediatric services, including the San Francisco Bay Area, NY, Washington DC Metro Area, Phoenix, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orange County, Seattle, Boston, Austin,and Portland, by appointment. Children over the age of 14 can be tested at any One Medical location in all markets with an appointment.
If you have questions about your child's symptoms, or your child needs to be examined, it is best to book a "sick visit" with one of our Family Practice providers. COVID-19 testing appointments are for testing only, while "sick visits" allow for time with a provider to ask questions and examine your child. Of course, you can always reach out to our virtual medical team with more urgent concerns. Please note that if multiple kids are being tested, each family needs their own appointment, which can be booked on the One Medical app.
How can I best prepare my kids for a COVID-19 test?
Your child may be nervous about their first time being tested. Not sure how to assuage their fears? We've got you covered. Here are some reassuring ways to explain to test to your children to help ease their nerves beforehand:
Can I vaccinate my child?
If your child is 5 years or older, they are eligible to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which currently is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for children under 18. The CDC now considers receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other recommended vaccines to be safe. Research on the effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in children under 5 is currently underway. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, see here.
What should I do if I'm pregnant? Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Though the risk of severe illness is low, pregnant individuals are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death, compared to others. Early data, however, suggests that pregnant women who receive a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, develop the same level of protection as non-pregnant women. As a result, both the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, who set national health care guidelines, as well as reproductive health clinical leaders at One Medical recommend that all pregnant individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19.
At this time, it is not known whether COVID-19 can be passed from mother to baby or what developmental impact this may have. It is thought that transmission of COVID-19 to newborns is primarily through respiratory droplets from an infected mother or caregiver. Some preliminary research, however, has detected antibodies in the infants of individuals fully vaccinated during pregnancy, suggesting that vaccination during pregnancy may provide protection for newborns as well.
If you have questions, you should talk to your provider to make an informed decision for your unique situation. Learn more about pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccinations here.
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The One Medical blog is published by One Medical, an innovative primary care practice with offices in Atlanta,Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County,Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. The One Medical Group entities and 1Life Healthcare, Inc. make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.