COVID-19 and children

COVID-19 in children tends to be mild or they have no symptoms, with most being able to be managed at home.

Some children who have pre-existing medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing more serious symptoms of COVID-19.

We have put together some information for parents and carers on COVID-19 in children, covering topics from testing to managing symptoms, to talking about COVID.

COVID-19 in children

Most children who get COVID-19 will get a mild illness that is like a cold or flu.

Here's advice on what to expect from Dr Andrew Martin, Head of General Paediatrics at Perth Children's Hospital.

Caring for children with COVID-19

At home

Most children will have mild, or no symptoms and the best treatment is to rest and recover at home. If your child is uncomfortable, treat them as you would with a cold or flu. 

You know your child best. If you are worried that your child is sicker, has severe symptoms or is behaving unusually, get help straight away.

Refer to the information below about when to contact your GP, or bring your child to hospital.

Contact your doctor or GP

Make an appointment to see your doctor or GP if your child:

  • is finding it hard to breathe
  • is more sleepy than usual
  • is in pain that doesn't go away
  • is dehydrated
  • is lightheaded or dizzy
  • is in pain or has swelling in the legs
  • has fever lasting more than five days
  • has fever in a baby under 3 months old

Go to your nearest emergency department or call 000

Head to your nearest emergency department, or if you feel it is life threatening or urgent, call 000 when your child:

  • is having severe difficulty breathing
  • is confused, can't keep their eyes open
  • has a severe headache, chest or abdominal pain
  • is fainting or often feels like fainting
  • skin is cold, clammy, pale, patchy or spotty
  • is extremely weak and floppy
  • lips or face are turning blue

Download are you worried about your COVID positive child? (PDF 1.4MB)

Extra support for COVID positive kids

Children who are high risk or have complex conditions may be referred to the specialised paediatric service, Statewide Paediatric and Adolescent Remote Care (SPARC). 

SPARC is a is a dedicated service for children and young people aged 15 years and under with significant medical complexities who test positive to COVID-19. It is a service managed by specialist staff at the Perth Children’s Hospital for the children of Western Australia.

Experienced paediatric nurses and doctors will virtually assess children with COVID-19 and offer support and medical advice to families in their own home via phone or telehealth. 

Wearing masks

Patients and visitors can choose to wear a mask. Masks are available at the point of care if you do not have one.

Patients and visitors must wear a mask, where tolerated, if they have symptoms of a cold or flu, are COVID positive or are close contacts of a COVID positive person and unable to delay their appointment/procedure.

Watch our kids' guide to wearing masks.

 

Talking to your child about COVID-19

Children may have many mixed feelings and questions about COVID-19.

Raising Children has developed resources to help you talk to your child and find relevant information.

Last Updated: 13/03/2023