St. Vincent Children’s Hospital Patients & Guests COVID-19 & Kids
COVID-19 and Kids

COVID-19 & Kids

FAQs and resources

HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital is dedicated to providing families with accurate information about COVID-19 and how it relates to children. For the most up-to-date information on the changing situation, resources and recommendations; however, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Is it Allergies, Cold, Flu or COVID-19?

 
Since COVID-19 is here, and with allergies, flu and many other “bugs” that can affect kids this time of year, you may wonder what you should do if your child gets sick. This "symptom checker" may help you determine the best course of action for your child(ren) when they’re not feeling well.

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You’re Living Through History!

 

Record your memories.

Years from now, you will look back and remember 2020 as the year you finished the school year at home and spent a lot of time with your family. Fill in these COVID-19 time capsule sheets with memories, pictures and artwork from this time. 
 

Download Your Copy Now

How to protect your family from COVID-19

 

  • Know how it spreads

  • Distance yourself and your children from others

  • Clean and disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, faucets, phones, etc.

  • Wash your hands often

  • Mask yourself and your children older than 2

  • Be aware of and watch for symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to a pandemic of respiratory disease from person to person caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The disease has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).


Watch for symptoms

Researchers are still learning how COVID-19 affects children. People with COVID-19 have experienced a wide range of symptoms listed below, while children with COVID-19 have generally presented with mild cold-like symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
 

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea


What should I do if my child has symptoms?

If your child develop symptoms, visit www.myprevea.com to schedule a COVID-19 test online.

How does COVID-19 affect kids?

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. Check out the CDC website and their dedicated section for COVID-19 and children, including information about:
 


Should children wear masks?

CDC recommends that everyone 2 years and older wear a cloth face covering that covers their nose and mouth when they are out in the community. Cloth face coverings should NOT be put on babies or children younger than 2 because of the danger of suffocation. Learn more from the CDC.


Is it safe to seek medical care?   

Yes. HSHS St. Vincent Children’s Hospital has taken every step to ensure we can provide children and families with the best medical care in the safest way possible – from our pediatric emergency center to our pediatric units and waiting areas, and every touchpoint in-between.

 

Visitation Guidelines

We the support of family and friends is important, but physical distancing is important for everyone’s health and safety. Click here for the latest information about our visitor guidelines.

Additional Resources