August 18, 2022

August 18, 2022

COVID-19: What To Do If Your Child Tests Positive

COVID has been in the spotlight for years at this point, and the pandemic has turned the lives of many people upside down. As a parent, the health and safety of your children are your greatest priorities, and COVID has put into perspective just how precious those things are.

Many people want to believe the pandemic is over, but the truth is that in many places, community transmission of the virus is still quite high. With vaccines and treatments now available, the risks in the community do seem to be reduced, but that doesn’t mean your child won’t contract COVID at some point. It can be confusing to know what to do if your child tests positive since recommendations seem to be constantly in flux. Read on to find out what actions to take if COVID-19 infects your child.

When Should You Test Your Child for COVID?
It can be tough to know when a child should be tested for COVID, but the best thing you can do is contact their pediatrician if you suspect they have COVID or if they’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive. Their doctor can evaluate any symptoms your child may be experiencing, any close contacts they’ve had, and what other illnesses may be currently circulating in your community.

The availability of at-home rapid testing may mean that you simply test your child at home without an appointment at your doctor’s office. If you feel this is needed and you have an at-home test, then go ahead. This is especially warranted if your child has the symptoms of COVID. It is the current medical recommendation that anyone who has symptoms should be tested as soon as possible.

Symptoms You Child May Experience
“Do most children develop mild symptoms after being infected with COVID-19?” That’s the question most parents want answered, along with “How does COVID-19 affect children?”. If your child has tested positive, you may be worried about them. It’s important to note that most children have mild symptoms similar to that of a cold, but some can get very sick, so monitoring their symptoms is very important.

For both children and adults alike, these symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Body aches
  • Loss of smell or taste
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

If you or your child have any of these symptoms, it’s best to test for COVID so you can begin taking the steps you need to protect the community as well as other people in your household.

When You Should Worry About Your Child’s COVID Symptoms
Although most kids make it through a COVID infection just fine, it’s vital to keep an eye on their symptoms and understand when you may need to seek medical treatment.

Get medical help immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your child:

  • Problems breathing or acting like they can’t catch their breath
  • Trouble keeping any liquids down due to vomiting
  • They can’t be woken up or seem confused
  • Their lips turn blue

While most children will experience mild symptoms, some groups have a higher risk for a serious case of the virus, such as children under the age of two, kids that were premmies, and any child with a chronic health condition such as lung disease. Keep a very careful eye on these kids and make sure to stay in contact with their doctor.

If My Child Tests Positive For COVID, Should I Get Tested?
To help reduce the spread of COVID, it’s also important to understand who should be tested and when. If your child tests positive for COVID, you and other members of your household should also be tested, no matter your vaccination status or if you are experiencing any symptoms.

You can take steps to isolate your child with COVID to help reduce the chance of others in the household contracting the virus. The best practice is to keep your child in a specific room that is away from others as much as you can. It’s also a good idea to have them use a separate bathroom if possible – and don’t have people who don’t need to be in your home over to visit.

Treating COVID-19
At home, the best treatment for COVID is rest and hydration, along with a balanced, healthy diet. If your child is congested, consider using a humidifier to help ease their congestion.

There’s no at-home treatment regimen for children to follow right now when it comes to COVID, but it’s important to help them avoid strenuous exercise to help in their recovery. However, gentle movement and walking are good things to encourage to help circulate blood. If your child has a cough, make sure they are taking deep breaths and changing their position every few hours to keep their lungs healthy.

You can give your child ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with aches and pains, too. You may want to consult your pediatrician for more information and treatment advice.

Isolating Your Child
Your COVID-positive child, along with anyone else who tests positive in your home, should isolate for five days. For anyone with symptoms, the five days begins one day after the onset of the symptoms. If no symptoms are experienced but the test was positive, the five-day isolation period can begin on the day of the positive test result.

Wearing a Mask
Once the five-day isolation period had ended and your child has been free from fever for at least 24 hours without medication, they can stop isolating. However, a well-fitted mask is recommended when out in the community for another five days unless your child is under the age of two and cannot tolerate a mask.

You may want to check with the school or daycare your child attends to understand their requirements for returning after a positive COVID test.

Most everyone is ready to kiss COVID goodbye, but it’s unfortunately true that the virus is here to stay. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the most current protocols, treatments, and vaccines to help reduce any further damage.

Featured image by Medakit Ltd on Unsplash