Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children may be similar to those of the common cold or other childhood illnesses. The overlap between COVID-19 symptoms and other common illnesses means that many people with symptoms of COVID19 may actually be ill with something else. This is even more likely in young children, who typically have multiple viral illnesses each year.

Individuals with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild to severe illness. There is not a single symptom that is uniquely predictive of a COVID-19 diagnosis so if suspected, a viral test is the only way to confirm that someone has a current COVID-19 infection. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and include the following:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Loss of taste and/or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or running nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

** If your child is tested for Covid-19, he/she MUST stay home until the results have come back**