Coronavirus in Children & Young Adults

Children & Teens Can Get COVID-19

While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Like adults, children who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms ("asymptomatic") can still spread the virus to others.

Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, some children can get severely ill from COVID-19. They might require hospitalization, intensive care or a ventilator to help them breathe. In rare cases, they might die.

To keep updated on current COVID-19 trends in children, visit the *new Ohio Department of Health – COVID 19 Dashboards for Children and Schools.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Kids

Find out about authorized COVID-19 vaccines, possible side effects, the benefits of having your children vaccinated and how your child can get vaccinated at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s.

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COVID-19 in Children & Young Adults

Return to Sports - Interim Guidance AAP

COVID-19 and Children Wearing a Mask

COVID-19 Exposure and Testing

COVID-19 Positive and Negative Test

UH Recovery Clinic

Comprehensive care for post-COVID symptoms in children.

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Parent Resources

Parenting During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic presents special challenges for parents. Browse our special collection of posts from The Science of Health blog with expert guidance for parents and other child caregivers to help children thrive during this extraordinary time.

UH Health Talks

University Hospitals brings our health experts to you through our continuing series of virtual health talks. These virtual seminars, which touch on COVID-19 and children, include a presentation by physicians who are experts in their field, followed by a Q&A session.

The ABCDs of COVID-19

Always Wear a Mask Always Wear a Mask
A mask covers the mouth and nose, where the droplets that spread COVID-19 are made. Children can have COVID-19 and spread the illness even when they don’t feel sick. If your child sees you wear a mask, they will pick up on that and wear one, too. When you talk to your children about wearing a mask, let them know that wearing a mask is a way to take care of others, because if we all wear a mask, we can slow the spread in the community.
Be Aware of Illness Symptoms Be Aware of Illness Symptoms
Before your child leaves the house, check for fever and any COVID-19 symptoms. Keep your child home if they are having a fever or COVID-19 symptoms. Talk with your child so they know that you want them to let teachers know if they are not feeling well at school. Have a plan for what to do if you need to pick a child up during the day.
Clean Your Hands and Your Space Clean Your Hands and Your Space
Teach good handwashing at home by washing hands together or talking about it with older children. Soap and water for twenty seconds or two choruses of “Happy Birthday,” or a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol are recommended. Talk with your child about being safe and not sharing items with other children right now.
Distance Physically, But Not Socially Distance Physically, But Not Socially
This can be a stressful time for children. You may have family or friends with COVID-19. You may have family or friends who have lost their jobs recently. Be honest and share information in a way they can understand. Tell your child that it’s okay to be sad, mad, or worried. It can be hard for grown-ups to hear about stress that children are feeling because we don’t have all the answers. But listening to your child and answering their questions can help.