COVID-19

How Concerned Should Parents Be About COVID-19 in 2025?
As we enter 2025, many parents are still wondering: How concerned should we be about COVID-19, particularly when it comes to our children? While COVID-19 is now considered endemic, meaning it’s here to stay but no longer a global pandemic, it’s understandable to feel uncertain about its risks. Though the virus is much more manageable than during the early days of the pandemic, parents may still have questions about how it affects children’s health.

Is COVID-19 Still a Threat to My Child?
Although COVID-19 is no longer the emergency it once was, it is still circulating. Most children experience mild or no symptoms at all, similar to the common cold or flu. However, some children may experience more severe illness, and certain groups remain at higher risk.

Who Is Most at Risk?
While most children with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms, certain groups are more vulnerable and may need extra care:
  • Children with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems, may be at higher risk of severe illness.
  • Infants under 6 months old, who can’t yet be vaccinated, are more vulnerable due to their smaller respiratory reserves.
  • Unvaccinated children, even if otherwise healthy, are at higher risk of complications.
If your child has any of these risk factors, consult your pediatrician to discuss the best ways to protect them.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children?

The symptoms of COVID-19 in children are often similar to those of other respiratory illnesses like the flu or RSV. These include:
  • Fever, fatigue, and headaches
  • Cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and a runny nose
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Muscle aches
Some children may not show any symptoms at all.

How Should Parents Care for a Child with COVID-19?

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, it’s natural to feel uncertain about next steps. Fortunately, most children can recover at home with rest and hydration. Here’s what to do:
  1. Encourage Rest and Hydration: Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids and gets enough rest to recover.
  2. Manage Symptoms: Over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help manage symptoms such as fever and aches. Always follow your pediatrician’s dosing recommendations.
  3. Practice Isolation: Keep your child away from other family members as much as possible to reduce transmission. Wear a mask if you must be in close contact.
  4. Disinfect Frequently: Clean commonly touched surfaces regularly to limit the spread of the virus.

When Should I Be Concerned?
It’s natural to worry when your child is sick, but it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. Contact your pediatrician if your child:
  • Has difficulty breathing or persistent chest pain
  • Becomes unusually drowsy or difficult to wake up
  • Shows signs of confusion or a bluish tint to their lips or face
If your child is high-risk, it’s particularly important to contact your healthcare provider early for guidance.

When should My Child Return to School?
 Many parents wonder when it’s safe for their child to return after recovering from COVID-19. In general, children can return to school when:
  • They have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
  • Other symptoms are improving or gone.
Children aged 2 and older should wear a mask for at least 5 days after their symptoms improve to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

For updated information: Massachusetts DPH Respiratory Virus Isolation Guidelines 

How Can I Prevent COVID-19?
To protect your child from COVID-19, continue practicing these prevention strategies:
  • Handwashing: Encourage regular handwashing, especially after public outings.
  • Cleaning: Disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as door handles and light switches.
  • Cough Etiquette: Teach your child to cough into their elbow or a tissue.
  • Avoid Large Crowds: Limit exposure to crowded spaces, especially if your child feels unwell or there’s a high-risk family member at home.
  • Vaccination: Ensure your child is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC recommends all children aged 6 months and older get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness and transmission.
Should My Child Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your child from COVID-19. The CDC recommends that all children aged 6 months and older get vaccinated. Vaccines help prevent severe illness and hospitalization and protect vulnerable family members, like infants or elderly relatives, who may not be able to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and protect against serious complications, including MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children), a rare but serious condition that can occur after a COVID infection.

Final Thoughts
As a parent, it’s natural to feel uncertain about COVID-19. While the virus is more manageable than it was in previous years, staying informed and vigilant is key, especially for children at higher risk. Maintain communication with your pediatrician, follow local guidelines, and take preventive steps to protect your family.

For the latest information:  CDC.gov/COVID 
 
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