Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak

Coronavirus/COVID-19 FAQ

The symptoms of COVID-19 are different for everyone but may include:

fever
sore throat
cough
shortness of breath
fatigue
body aches
loss of taste and/or smell

For some people, the symptoms may feel like a bad cold or flu. Others, especially adults with other health conditions, may have severe respiratory symptoms that could progress to pneumonia. Some patients require hospitalization and breathing assistance.

In addition, if your child exhibits any of the symptoms that could be related to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (see below), always call your pediatrician.

Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms.

How serious is coronavirus/COVID-19?

While some people with COVID-19 have only mild cases of this illness, others are becoming ill, and many have died. Older adults and those with pre-existing health problems (such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer) are at increased risk of getting very sick.

The majority of children with COVID-19 tend to have milder symptoms. However, there have recently been some reports of a rare but serious illnesses in children called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This illness looks similar to a syndrome called Kawasaki disease and is believed to be related to COVID-19.

How can I protect my family from the new coronavirus?

While we are still learning more about how COVID-19 is passed from one person to another, public health experts believe that tiny droplets containing the virus are released in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. This is why the illness is spreading so easily in some communities.

To help slow the spread, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is asking everyone to take some important steps, including:

Stay home: The governors of New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and many other states have called on all residents who are not essential workers (such as people working in hospitals, pharmacies, and grocery stores) to stay at home, working and participating in school remotely. State websites have specific information on who are essential and non-essential workers.
Practice physical distancing: If you must leave your house, it’s important to stay six feet or more away from others to minimize the spread of germs.
Cover your mouth and nose: The CDC is now recommending people use a cloth face covering over their mouth and nose if they go out in public at all and effective April 17th the governor of New York began requiring people to wear face coverings. This is important since not everyone with COVID-19 has symptoms. As a result, some people who don’t feel sick may still carry the germs and spread them to others through droplets released into the air.
Act preventively by following proper hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene. Also, avoid touching your face.

How do I avoid making others sick?

If your child (or anyone else in your family) has any symptoms, you’ll need to stay at home and avoid being around other people. If possible, keep your child in a room where they won’t have contact with other family members or use common household items. Many grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies are now offering contactless deliveries.

Is there a cure for COVID-19?

There is currently no approved treatment to treat COVID-19. But there are some experimental medications and approaches being tested across the country that could offer real hope in the very near future. Scientists are also working on a vaccine to help prevent people from getting sick.

Where can I get the latest information about COVID-19?

The new coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly changing situation. The CDC COVID-19 website offers the most up-to-date information.

The New York State Health Department website also has state-specific information about COVID-19 and links to many helpful resources for families. For specific questions about your child, contact your doctor's office.

COVID-19 in Children (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome)

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a serious illness related to COVID-19 that has been seen in a small number of children. The most common symptoms of this disease include persistent fevers, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, headaches, and swollen hands and feet. Always call your pediatrician if you notice these symptoms or have any concerns.

What should I do if my child has symptoms of COVID-19?

At Boston Children’s Health Physicians, we are following all of the state and federal guidelines to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.

If you suspect your child has COVID-19, call your pediatrician’s office for advice. Many of our clinicians are now seeing patients remotely through virtual or telehealth visits (these are visits done right from your home) whenever possible to avoid the spread of germs in our facilities. Your doctor will decide if a COVID-19 test is necessary and if so, will tell you how to proceed with testing.

A virtual visit, which can be done using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, can also be an appropriate option for diagnosing colds, flus, allergies, and other health concerns, as well as managing chronic conditions and prescription refills.

For complex or urgent needs that require a face-to-face visit, we continue to have staff available for in-person appointments. We are following the latest safety practices to ensure our waiting and exam rooms are free from germs. We are also strictly limiting the number of patients we see in person as part of our commitment to physical distancing. For patients scheduled for non-urgent procedures or exams, check with your physician to reschedule.

Get answers to common questions about the new coronavirus.