Parents' Top Questions About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Recently, several new versions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, called “variants,” have made international headlines. Scientists and doctors are watching several of the variants closely. Here’s what parents need to know about the main variants being reported in the news.

First, a little background: It’s important to know that viruses mutate naturally, and scientists expect new variants of viruses as they spread. There have been multiple mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus since it first emerged, though most have not affected the function of the virus until recently. What’s different now is that some versions of the new coronavirus have mutated enough that they have changed how the virus works: mostly how easily it’s able to spread.

What we know: 

• There are three variants of concern, each named after the first place they were documented: the United Kingdom (U.K.), South Africa and Brazil.
• What the variants have in common:
  • All three variants have been reported in the U.S.; so far, the U.K. variant has been most commonly detected of the three.
  • All three are more infectious than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Because they can spread more efficiently, one or more may become more dominant very quickly.
• Though concerning, we can still use existing preventive measures against the coronavirus to prevent the spread of these variants. Used together, prevention measures are even stronger and reduce risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.

Here are a few important points about each:

• The U.K. variant, also called B.1.1.7, is the most common variant in the U.S. thus far.
  • There are some data that suggest this variant has increased risk of death in outpatients. This means that the U.K. variant may cause more severe disease, but we need additional research studies to confirm these findings.
  • The current vaccines seem to work against this strain.
• The South Africa variant, B.1.351, and the Brazil variant, P.1, are more concerning to experts.
  • This is because some studies have shown that the vaccines are less effective against preventing symptoms of the coronavirus (symptomatic disease), making the virus easier to spread.
  • But, fortunately, data suggest that the vaccines still prevent against severe disease and death from these variants.

The bottom line? Viruses can’t mutate if they can’t replicate. That means stopping the spread of the coronavirus using all of the tools we have available, including our newest tool – vaccines – is still the best option. Continue to help your kids keep their distance from people outside of your household, wear their masks and avoid crowds and traveling. Families need to maintain these prevention measures – even after being vaccinated – until transmission in your community is very low.

Care to learn more? National Public Radio published an illustrated guide to simply demonstrate how to think about the variants and how they impact the virus’ spike proteins.

They should. While the COVID-19 vaccines we have may be somewhat less effective against the new variants, the data we have suggest that the vaccines still prevent many mild and moderate cases of COVID-19. So far, our current vaccines are still very effective at preventing the most severe cases that lead to hospitalizations and deaths.  

Public health officials are paying close attention to the variants, and there are alternative plans if we must tweak the vaccine. Fortunately, we don’t seem to need to that so far.

When COVID-19 cases rise, experts expect to see an uptick in cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) several weeks later. As anticipated, nationwide reports of MIS-C increased alongside the dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases in the fall and over the holidays. We also saw an increase in the number of MIS-C cases at Children’s Colorado. Though the overall number of cases is increasing, fortunately, this syndrome remains rare.

We’re still learning about how this syndrome may be related to the coronavirus. Here’s what we know about MIS-C.

Alongside several other states, Colorado saw a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases in the fall and over the holiday season. In late February, the CDPHE and the Colorado School of Public Health released new models showing that while the epidemic is declining in Colorado – which is positive news – 1 in 194 Coloradans are estimated to have the coronavirus. As the news release states, "If the B.1.1.7 variant spreads rapidly in Colorado, high levels of transmission control and/or vaccination will be critical to avoiding another large surge." 

There are several reasons why experts remain concerned about the spread of the virus this winter:

• Colder winter weather means that we’re spending more time inside where it’s more difficult to maintain distance and easier for the virus to spread.
• Flu and other seasonal viruses may also start circulating, which could increase the burden on healthcare systems.
• We’re all tired. Now many months into the pandemic, the effects are wearing on us and it’s easier to feel complacent.

Now – and in the coming months as vaccines are deployed – it will take all of us to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Colorado. Please ensure that your family and your children are following public health guidelines and taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Colorado counties continue to update their public health guidelines and restrictions. Here’s how to check the stay-at-home status of your county.

Based on the latest outbreak data, COVID-19 transmission within schools has been limited when proper precautions are in place. The data suggest that outbreaks of the coronavirus in schools and districts tend to mirror the spread in the surrounding community. This means that in Colorado we haven’t seen much evidence that schools are driving an increase in community spread or that younger children attending school are spreading the virus widely in the state. This is good news, and it demonstrates the importance of preventive measures like face coverings, physical distancing, screening and learning cohorts (sometimes called pods) – and using all prevention methods available together for optimal protection.

The bottom line is that the risk of COVID-19 spread in schools depends on precautions in place and how well everyone in the school is following guidelines. While no public health measure can prevent all risk, we can add layers of protection to reduce risk, and we should do so as much as possible.

Safely returning to in-person learning is crucial for children's long-term health and development. Learn about the latest data and why our experts are advocating for the safe re-opening of schools as soon as possible.

Based on scientific evidence, we now know that tiny droplets containing SARS-CoV-2 can remain in the air for minutes or hours in a poorly ventilated area. When someone gets sick after breathing in these tiny droplets it is called airborne transmission. The CDC recently updated their website with this new information.

It’s important to note that the most common way COVID-19 spreads – through larger respiratory droplets when people are in close contact – has not changed. Airborne transmission is less common than close contact.

Here’s what this means for kids and families:

• Continue taking the same precautions: cleaning hands, wearing face coverings, staying 6 feet away from others, staying home if you’re sick, avoiding large gatherings and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• In addition, avoid crowded indoor spaces and make sure indoor areas are properly ventilated: When you are inside with people you don’t live with, like in restaurants, offices and schools, make sure there is good airflow via proper ventilation and/or open windows and doors.
• Socialize outside, not inside: When possible, meet friends and family outdoors. And yes: You should still stay 6 feet away from people you do not live with and wear your face covering.

Remember, taking these preventive steps together is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.

Common coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, headache and tiredness. Some people also develop shortness of breath and loss of smell and taste.

Learn the most common coronavirus symptoms in children and how they may differ from adults.

People develop symptoms to COVID-19 between 2 and 14 days after exposure (5 days on average). This is called the coronavirus incubation period. Most people will get better within a few weeks, but those with a severe case of the disease may take a month or more to recover.

The good news is that most children tend to have milder forms of the illness. COVID-19 in kids up to 18 years of age ranges from infection without symptoms, to mild upper respiratory symptoms with runny nose and cough, to pneumonia requiring hospitalization.

In general, babies can be at a higher risk for any respiratory infection. According to the limited data available about COVID-19, current literature suggests this illness has been mild for most young children.

Some children have developed a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, after contracting the coronavirus; however, this has been rare.

We have much to learn about COVID-19 during pregnancy and in infants. Based on what we’ve learned so far:

• There have been reports of pregnancy complications for some women who tested positive for COVID-19 while pregnant. We do not know if they were related to the coronavirus.
• It is uncommon for newborns born to mothers with COVID-19 to develop COVID-19.
• Some babies have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but we do not know when they got the virus.
• Most newborns who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had mild or no symptoms, but there are reports of newborns with severe cases of COVID-19.

There is some evidence that pregnant women may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people and that there may be increased for adverse outcomes like preterm birth. If you’re pregnant, you (and those you live with) should take steps to prevent COVID-19.

The CDC explains the pregnancy, breastfeeding and caring for newborns during the pandemic.

Adults older than 65 years of age and those with underlying medical conditions have shown more serious coronavirus symptoms and are at higher risk.

Why is the coronavirus more dangerous to older people than younger people?

We’re still learning about the virus and why it is more dangerous to certain groups. In the video below, 10-year-old Mia wants to know why the coronavirus might be more dangerous for older people. Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Sean O’Leary talks about how the coronavirus seems to affect people of different ages.

Children with certain underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk of becoming severely ill if they get COVID-19. Learn what we know about kids who are at higher risk from COVID-19.

My child has an underlying condition; how can I protect them?

In addition to taking everyday precautions to prevent COVID-19, we recommend the following tips to parents of kids with chronic illness:

Stock up on medications

It’s a good idea to make sure you have refilled your child's prescriptions and have at least a two-week supply of medications on hand. Only start or stop medications with your doctor’s recommendation.

Keep up with your routine clinic visits

Children’s Colorado has reactivated most services that were suspended temporarily due to the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about our phased reopening of in-person pediatric services. Then, read how we’re exercising all precautions to keep patients, families and our team members safe.

Note that we strongly recommend that your child continues to receive regular well-child examinations with their primary care provider.

What to do if your child is ill

If your child has symptoms of a cold or fever but it is not an emergency, call your primary care provider or your care team at Children's Colorado to get advice. Remember that other respiratory viruses that are not the coronavirus will continue to make children ill in the community and are still common causes of fever and respiratory symptoms.

The good news is that most patients with the coronavirus are not sick enough to require hospitalization or an emergency department visit, and their symptoms can be managed at home.

Families with children who have special considerations when they get a fever (such as children with a central line or those undergoing treatment for cancer) should continue to handle fever as they would under normal circumstances.

Remain prepared

The pandemic could last for a long time. Public health measures are intended to reduce likelihood of person-to-person contact, and when you have someone in your home who may be more likely to get sick, it’s also important to take additional precautions as a family.

Staying at home is the safest option to avoid exposure, so ensure you have enough stock of prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, household items and groceries. Please note that hoarding is not advised, as it affects the supply chain and limits other people from getting essential items.

The inflammatory condition is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C for short. We do not fully understand MIS-C and how it’s related to the coronavirus.

The most prominent symptom of this syndrome is prolonged high fever. Children may also develop a rash and experience abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Fortunately, parents can be reassured that MIS-C is rare and there are treatments that have been successful in making kids better.

We now know that COVID-19 spreads through close contact and, less commonly, through airborne transmission. Some people can transmit the virus before they have symptoms or even if they have no symptoms at all. Learn more about how COVID-19 spreads.

We still have many questions about how the immune system reacts to the new coronavirus. While it isn’t common, findings from some recent studies suggest that it is possible to be infected a second time. Until we learn more, parents and caregivers should continue taking steps to prevent COVID-19, even if your child has had a confirmed case of in the past and even if they have a positive antibody test.

In the video below, pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Sean O’Leary explains how our immunity to various viruses can differ.

Just like preventive methods to prevent the spread of other respiratory viruses, the CDC recommends taking the following precautions, together:

• Get the flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. This will be especially important this year.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
  • Use hand sanitizer or wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Remind children to do this after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Wear a cloth face covering when you're with people you don't live with, like with friends, at school or in public.
• Avoid contact with people who are ill.
• Stay home when you are sick. If you get sick, get tested.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces in your home frequently.
• Avoid large gatherings. If you do socialize, do so outside, not inside.
• Practice safe social distancing by remaining at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.

Answering kids’ questions about social distancing

In the video below, 11-year-old Eileen wants to know why people have to stand 6 feet apart. Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Sean O’Leary explains why a distance of 6 feet helps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during close contact.

There are several COVID-19 tests now available, but how sensitive, specific and reliable each test is varies, sometimes greatly. We broke down the different types of COVID-19 tests including pros, cons and what to do based on your test result.

While there is no cure for the coronavirus, doctors are making progress finding new and effective treatments, such as steroids and the drug remdesivir. Learn about treatments for COVID-19.

There is a large international effort to develop multiple vaccines to prevent the coronavirus, and several have now been authorized for emergency use in the U.S. It will take time to distribute vaccines to the public, and we’re still waiting on data for kids under age 16. Read about the process of developing safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19.

What's taking so long?

It takes time to distribute the vaccine to the entire population. That’s why groups that are more likely to be exposed or more likely to have severe illness, like healthcare workers and older people living in long-term care facilities, were among the first to receive the vaccine. Healthy children will likely receive the vaccine much later since they are at lower risk of getting severely ill with COVID-19 and because we are still awaiting data on the effectiveness of the current vaccines in children.

In the video below, 11-year-old Lylah asks pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Sean O’Leary if dogs can get the coronavirus. Dr. O’Leary discusses whether dogs can test positive for coronavirus, if they get symptoms and if they can spread it to other people.

Get the latest on how the coronavirus affects animals and what to about your pets from the CDC.

In 2020, several news stories focused on athletes who developed myocarditis (the swelling of the heart muscle) after getting sick with COVID-19. The CDC reports that severe heart damage has occurred in some young, healthy people that had the virus, but it has been rare. We do not yet know how these events may be related, and many experts are studying this issue.

We understand these reports are scary for parents. Children’s Colorado and others have issued cardiac screening guidelines for children and adolescents returning to play after a COVID-19 infection. While some pediatricians believe these guidelines are overly cautious, many pediatric cardiologists, including experts in our Heart Institute, recommend remaining cautious until we know more. Read about when kids should receive cardiac screening before returning to athletics.

If you have questions about your child’s health and whether they may need to be screened, please call their primary care doctor for advice. The CDC has more on potential long-term effects of COVID-19.

Quarantine separates people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and may still develop illness from others.This is not the same as isolation, which separates people who are infected from others.

In December 2020, the CDC updated its guidance with options to reduce the length of quarantine with symptom monitoring and diagnostic testing.

Review safe options for ending quarantine.

The CDC has the most updated information on cases and deaths in the United States. Remember, this is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation. Look to your local health and safety authorities for guidance and updates in your area.

All confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado are reported by CDPHE.

CDPHE is reporting the number of immunizations statewide along with resources and a list of providers on their COVID-19 vaccine page.

The pandemic could last for a long time – likely many more months and potentially several years. Until we can stop community spread or develop (and distribute) an effective vaccine across large populations, it will be very difficult to slow and stop this pandemic.

Though many of us are growing tired of staying home and other preventive measures, it’s crucial that we remain diligent and do our best to limit the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible. The fewer cases of COVID-19, the easier we can prevent others from getting sick and the sooner we can control the pandemic.

But don’t lose hope! Remember, like the 1918 flu pandemic and others before, this too shall pass.

• Remain diligent about prevention: Do not get lax about health guidelines and the many precautions in place.
• Get comfortable: Take steps to make your home comfy and comforting during the wintertime phase of social distancing.
• Take care of your mental health: We’re all experiencing stress and strain, and we all express it in different ways. Keep an eye on your family members’ feelings, behaviors and attitudes, and take steps to build resilience in yourself and your children. This parent toolkit has tips.
• Try to be flexible: Remember that things can change quickly during a public health crisis. By remaining open minded about change and doing your best to stay positive, you can help yourself adjust to changes in work, school, schedules and more.

Other tips for families:

• Keep a 2- to 4-week supply of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, food and household supplies on hand. Please call your primary care provider if you have more questions about medications.
• Though it’s not as likely that communities will run out of things like protective equipment and toilet paper, some items make become scarce. Please remember not to hoard; this can affect the supply chain and prevent others from getting the items they need.

If your child is ill, first contact their primary care provider to discuss their symptoms and determine whether your child should be tested for the coronavirus.

If you do not have a pediatrician for your child or if you have questions about where to get care, nurses with our free ParentSmart Healthline™ at 720-777-0123 can help guide you, 24/7.

Learn about treatment for children with COVID-19.

If your child or another family member develops coronavirus symptoms, your family should isolate at home and you should contact your primary care provider to see if coronavirus testing is appropriate.

If you were in close contact with someone who develops COVID-19, you should stay home and follow current quarantine guidance. Consider getting a COVID-19 test between 5 and 7 days after you the exposure and follow current recommendations before ending quarantine.

What should I do if my child has the coronavirus?

If you or your child tests positive for the coronavirus and you have mild symptoms, isolate at home and focus on relieving symptoms. Call your doctor if you or your child experience shortness of breath or if your symptoms get worse.

In a life-threatening emergency:

Call 911.

If you think your child may need urgent care*:

First, call your doctor's office or our free ParentSmart Healthline™ at 720-777-0123. They can recommend appropriate care and direct you to a clinic or urgent care facility, if needed.

*If you need to get care, call ahead to help doctors limit the potential spread of the coronavirus and keep all patients and health workers safe.

If you believe (or know) your child has been exposed to the coronavirus:

Call the state's hotline, CO-Help, at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in many languages.

If you have general questions about the coronavirus and how it may impact your child:

Call our COVID-19 hotline at 720-777-2221.

If you have general questions about the COVID-19 vaccines:

Call the Colorado COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

If you need advice about your child’s medical care or potential COVID-19 symptoms:

Call your child’s pediatrician, who knows them best.

If you need general medical advice for your child and you do not have a primary care provider:

Call our free ParentSmart Healthline at 720-777-0123 to speak to an experienced pediatric nurse, 24/7.

Yes. Most people should wear cloth face coverings, including most children older than 2. Get the ins and outs about who should wear cloth face coverings with these common questions and answers about masks and kids.

Note: Face coverings are required for patients and visitors at all Children’s Colorado locations.

Effective April 28, visitors must wear a face covering at all Children’s Colorado locations. Please bring a face covering from home. We have a limited supply of face coverings for visitors who do not have one.

Watch the video below to help prepare your child for the different types of masks and face coverings they'll see when they come to our hospital. We encourage parents and kids to watch the video together and talk about what to expect.

This decision is personal and can depend on many factors. When schools have appropriate prevention measures in place – including screening, face covering requirements and social distancing measures –the risk of spreading COVID-19 among students and teachers decreases.

Assuming your child’s school is taking proper precautions and COVID-19 transmission in your area is low, for the average healthy kid, the benefits of attending classes in person are likely greater than the risks of contracting the coronavirus. For children with chronic medical conditions or with high-risk family members at home, we recommend talking with your pediatrician about the decision to return to in-person lessons.

Read our Q&A about school safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

Check out our FAQs for attending school during the pandemic. Or, refer to the CDC's existing guidelines for schools and childcare centers.

We urge everyone to follow the public health guidelines for their community. Public health measures like the Safer at Home order are intended to reduce the likelihood of person-to-person contact. Staying at home or spending time outside is the safest option to avoid exposure.

Remember that it can be hard on kids not to see their friends. If you choose for your child to spend time with friends, we recommend playing with just one other child outside; keeping playdates one-on-one and doing outdoor activities poses the lowest risk for children.

If your child is attending school, you may also consider socializing with the kids in their school “pod” – provided you continue to take precautions like wearing face coverings, and for kids who are old enough, physical distancing.

Our experts recommend getting kids outside as often as you can, which is also encouraged under Colorado's Safer at Home order. Not only is it good for everyone's mental health, but activities like taking the dog for a walk or riding bikes are low risk if you stay a minimum of 6 feet away from other people.

See a helpful graphic about the risks and benefits of certain social activities from CDPHE.

Read tips from our experts about how to ease your child’s stress and anxiety about the coronavirus. Or, learn what questions to ask when you check in on your teen.

Children's Colorado offers drive-through COVID-19 testing by appointment in Aurora and Colorado Springs. Please note: Unlike some state testing sites, we cannot accept walk-ins.

Learn how to get a coronavirus test at Children's Colorado.

Watch the video below with your child to learn what to expect from COVID-19 testing at Children's Colorado.

We are exercising all precautions to keep patients, families and our team safe. These measures include increased screening for all team members and visitors, testing patients and limiting the number of people at locations.

In addition, we're working closely with our public health partners to give people the information they need. See our coronavirus resources for families and healthcare professionals.

Yes! We’ve expanded our Telehealth Program to all of our specialties and clinics, to give our patients and families the option, in many cases, of getting the same great care as at an in-person visit from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Families interested can ask their provider, scheduler and team if their next visit could be a virtual one.

Some visits, such as for surgery or testing, will still need to be in-person, and for those visits, we’re taking the utmost precautions. Read more about available in-person pediatric services at Children's Colorado.

Yes, it is safe to donate blood and platelets if you are not exhibiting any coronavirus symptoms and meet our eligibility criteria. Please know that we are proactively taking precautions to prevent exposure to the coronavirus, such as: disinfecting all shared surfaces in between donors, screening all donors and technicians, spacing chairs 6 feet apart and providing food sealed in individual packages.

Donating blood is allowed during safer-at-home orders

It’s important for healthy potential donors to know that blood donation is considered an essential function, even during recent stay-at-home and safer-at-home orders. We still have many patients who need blood to help them heal from injury and illness. Learn more about donating blood at Children's Colorado.