New Coronavirus (1535)

Key points below


What is it?

Coronaviruses are a type of germ called a virus. Coronaviruses usually cause infections like the common cold. COVID-19 is the illness caused by the newest type of coronavirus. 
Coronavirus germs spread between people who are close to each other. Tiny water drops in your breath can carry germs like coronavirus. The drops spread to other people when you cough, talk, and sneeze. Most children are not likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Some people may not show many symptoms at all. They can still spread COVID-19 to others. 

What are the signs that your child may be sick with COVID-19?

Fever
Chills or repeated shaking with chills
Cough
Throwing up or feeling like throwing up
Diarrhea
Hard or fast breathing 
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose

What to expect:

Testing for COVID-19

Your child is being tested for COVID-19. You will receive the results after they are ready.


Below is our current advice for when your child and family should stay home and wear a mask to stop the spread of COVID-19. Follow the rules from your city or county health department if different than below. 

COVID test result and your child's symptoms and the recommendations

Your child has a positive COVID-19 test   

(Your child has COVID-19)

Your child has a negative COVID-19 test but has signs of illness, without COVID-19 exposure

(Your child does not have COVID-19 at the time of testing)

 

Your child has signs of illness and is waiting for COVID-19 test result

Your child has signs of illness but has not been tested for COVID-19

Your child has been exposed to COVID-19 but does not have signs of illness

 

Your child has been exposed to COVID-19 and has signs of illness


Type of test needed:


Counting Days

When and how long to protect others depends on if you have symptoms. Here is how to count days.

If you were exposed to a person who tested positive:

If you have signs of illness and get a positive test result: 

If you do not have signs of illness but get a positive test result: 

If you start to have signs of illness after you tested positive:

To help your child feel better if they are feeling ill:

For infants under 1 year old: offer breast milk, formula, or Pedialyte. Do not give plain water.
For children over 1 year of age: offer water, Gatorade, apple juice, or popsicles.

Go to the Emergency Room if your child:


Call your child's doctor right away if your child has: 
Fever of 100.4° F or higher for 4 days or longer and one or more of the following:

Call your child's doctor right away if your child has fever of 100.4or higher for 4 days or longer and one of the following:

Call your child's doctor, clinic, or your city or county health department with questions or concerns if your child has: 

 
More information about COVID-19
  
To stop the spread of the virus:

Get the COVID-19 vaccine

Watch your distance (6 feet at least)

Wear a mask or cloth face covering

Wash your hands 

Take steps for cleaner air

Cover coughs and sneezes using the inside of your elbow or a tissue. Wash your hands after coughing or and sneezing. 

Keep those who are sick in separate rooms as much as you can. Use separate bathrooms when able.

Do not share dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding.  Wash these items should be washed with soap and water after being used.

Clean and disinfect your home often.  Use regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

Think about getting tested if you have signs of illness, were exposed to COVID-19, or before gathering with others.

 

Return to Sports

If your child tested positive for COVID-19 and plays sports, contact their Primary Care Provider to discuss what is recommended before to returning to play or practice.


For other health and wellness information, check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.