Resources for Families & Children

Signs & Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children

Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally shown mild symptoms
COVID-19 can look different in different people. For many people, being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. People can get a fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths.
It's not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare need
Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick. Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems.
CDC and partners are investigating cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.

Prevention Strategies for Children

Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing)
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (like tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks)
Launder items including washable plush toys as needed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people's items.
In accordance with Governor Baker's order, children over 5 must wear a cloth face covering when entering grocery stores, pharmacies, or retail locations.Additonally, children over 5 must wear a cloth face covering when outdoors and physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Children between 2 to 5 years old should be wearing a cloth face covering when out in public but the decision is at the discretion of the parent or caregiver.
- Children under 2, children with a medical or behavioral condition preventing the usage of a cloth face covering, and anyone unconcious, incapacitated, or unable to remove the face covering without assistance are exempt from this order.

Limit time with other children, people with serious underlying medical conditions, and older adults.

The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit contact as much as possible. While school is out, children should not have in-person playdates with children from other households. If children are playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their own household.
To help children maintain social connections while social distancing, help your children have supervised phone calls or video chats with their friends.
Change travel plans
If children meet in groups, it can put everyone at risk. Children with COVID-19 may only have mild symptoms, but they can still pass this virus onto others who may be at higher risk, including older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions.
If you are unable to stay home with your child while school is out, carefully consider who might be best positioned to provide child care. If someone at higher risk for COVID-19 will be providing care (older adult, such as a grandparent or someone with a chronic medical condition), limit your children's contact with other people.
If others in your home are at particularly high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider extra precautions to separate your child from those people.