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As kids around the country return to school, parents have many questions about COVID. Now that the virus has been around for more than four years and has lost its pandemic status, do we treat it like a common cold or something else?
This summer, the CDC officially declared the COVID-19 virus endemic, meaning it is here to stay and can usually be addressed in predictable ways, like the flu and other viruses. That shifts how we approach it compared to previous years, especially in school and daycare settings. However, COVID-19 can still present a risk, especially for children in vulnerable groups. In the post-pandemic era, we want to practice thoughtful community care while ensuring our kids miss as little school and activities as possible.
Does COVID Present A Risk For My Child?
COVID-19 usually causes mild symptoms in children that can be treated at home with rest and hydration. However, it can cause severe problems for children with compromised immune systems or underlying conditions, including diabetes, obesity or heart or lung conditions. COVID can also lead to serious complications for otherwise healthy kids in rare cases. Complications can include:
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a lung condition that can be caused by COVID, pneumonia or other conditions.
- Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle linked to COVID and other viral infections.
- Acute kidney failure.
- MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children), a rare side effect of COVID-19 that causes inflammation in different parts of a child’s body.
- Long Covid: a set of symptoms that occur up to three months after a COVID-19 infection. Symptoms include fatigue, headache, insomnia, trouble concentrating, muscle and joint pain, or a lingering cough.
What Are The Protocols If My Child Tests Positive For COVID?
COVID’s endemic status has created confusion for parents as schools and daycares move away from strict restrictions and quarantines. Many parents wonder what protocols to follow if their child tests positive for COVID.
First, if your child has flu-like symptoms, doing a home COVID test is worthwhile. Testing can help you with decision-making for school and activities. That said, most school systems no longer require quarantines as in the early years of the pandemic. In most cases, protocols are now similar to the flu and other viral infections. In Virginia, your child can return to school if their symptoms are improving and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours. This guideline is intended to give your child time to recover and reduce the spread. If you have specific questions about whether your child is well enough to return to school, call your pediatrician’s office for guidance.
How Can I Help Prevent COVID And Keep My Child Healthy?
As we move into cold, flu and COVID season, here are a few tips for preventing COVID and other viral infections:
- Be vigilant about wiping down surfaces.
- Encourage your child to wash hands regularly at home and school.
- Review “cough etiquette”, reminding your child to cough into an elbow or a tissue to limit transmission.
- Limit exposure by being selective about attending large gatherings if your child isn’t feeling well.
- Consider vaccinating/boosting your child against COVID-19.
Should My Child Get A COVID Vaccine?
In our area, COVID vaccinations are not required to attend public schools, so the issue remains a family choice. However, The CDC recommends vaccinations for all children six months and older. Research has shown that COVID vaccinations are safe and effective for children.
Vaccination may help your child avoid infection.
It may also prevent serious infection and complications if they do get sick.
Finally, vaccinating your children can help prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable family members at home.
Should I See My Pediatrician If My Child Has COVID Symptoms?
Loudoun Pediatric Associates partners with families to help navigate the post-pandemic COVID experience. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. You don’t always need to bring your child into the office for a test. In many cases, an at-home test followed by rest and hydration is all that’s required. However, parents should call our office if:
- Your child tests positive and is in a high-risk category.
- Your child’s symptoms don’t improve or get worse.
- You have questions about returning to school or daycare.
With COVID-19 joining the ranks of common childhood illnesses, we need to remain aware of the risks to vulnerable classmates and community members. As we look to practice care for others while ensuring we don’t miss school and activities unnecessarily, LPA is always here as a resource for patients and families.
