COVID-19: What Families Need to Know

Abstract

COVID-19, discovered in December 2019, quickly became a global pandemic. Doctors and researchers continue to learn more about it every day. Now, safe and effective vaccines and boosters are recommended for many children and teens. While the virus continues to spread, everyone should stay up to date with their vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines work to protect you from getting sick. Based on what is known about COVID-19 vaccines and other recommended vaccines for kids, people who are up to date with their vaccines are well protected from getting seriously sick or having other health problems. Here's what we know now and how you can protect your family and others.Symptoms of COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, range from mild to severe and generally begin 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Someone with these symptoms may have COVID-19:According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), unvaccinated children seem to be at higher risk for getting severely ill with COVID-19. Some children with special health care needs also may be at higher risk, including those with chronic medical conditions such as:If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, call your pediatrician right away.Many children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all, and most children with COVID-19 infection have recovered. However, some have become severely ill and have been hospitalized, and some have died. In addition, like adults, some children and teens with COVID-19, even with few or no symptoms, have developed post-COVID conditions such as long-haul COVID.Here are a few things you can do to keep your family healthy:The Food and Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization for monoclonal antibody therapies to treat mild to moderate COVID symptoms in some adults, adolescents, children or infants. They may help block the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering cells and make it easier for the body to destroy the virus.Only one monoclonal antibody therapy for children (sotrovimab) may be effective against the omicron variant. There is a very limited supply of this medicine. To be considered for sotrovimab, adolescents must be age 12 or older and weigh at least 88 pounds; have had symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a positive COVID test for less than 10 days; and be at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, but not yet hospitalized.Some children at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 may be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment to protect them before they are exposed to the virus. If your child is high risk and you are concerned about them being exposed to COVID, call your pediatrician to discuss if this is an option.Another option that is authorized for people at high risk of severe COVID illness is oral antiviral medication (paxlovid and molnupiravir). One of these antivirals is authorized for children as young as 12 years, but it is too soon to know how well it works in children.Home remedies families may hear about on social media, such as ivermectin, azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine are NOT proven effective against COVID-19 and can be toxic if used incorrectly.People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are usually able to isolate at home during their illness. However, it may be recommended to take these additional steps:In children, the goal should be to improve their overall comfort, monitor their activity, look for signs of serious illness, and make sure they drink enough liquids.For questions about over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, call your pediatrician. As with any medication, be sure to use the syringe or dropper that came with the product to measure the correct amount. Never use a kitchen measuring spoon to dose liquid medicine.News coverage and disinformation posted online about COVID-19 can be frightening to kids. Parents and other adults who work closely with children to filter information and talk about it in a way that their child can understand. These tips can help:American Academy of Pediatricswww.aap.org and www.HealthyChildren.orgAdapted from the HealthyChildren.org article COVID-19: What Families Need to Know (1/7/2022).The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.In all aspects of its publishing program (writing, review, and production), the AAP is committed to promoting principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.