If your child tests positive for the coronavirus, talk to their doctor about how to care for them.
Have your child follow these steps if they test positive for the coronavirus:
- Isolate (stay away from others) for at least 10 days from when their symptoms started. (Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.)
- Your child should also show no signs of fever for 24 hours and see other symptoms get better before they end their isolation.
- Stay home except for when getting medical care.
- Contact anyone your child has been with for more than 15 minutes and within 6 feet and let them know about your child’s positive test. These individuals should enter quarantine.
Always check local isolation and quarantine advice for the most up-to-date information.
How can I safely care for my child if they have COVID-19?
You should follow any specific instructions from your doctor about how to care for your child at home. As with any other illness, it is important to keep your child hydrated, so be sure they drink plenty of fluids (like water) even if they are not hungry. Learn our top tips for getting your child to drink more water.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to help with fever or pain. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees with the World Health Organization about the use of ibuprofen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, there is not enough evidence to avoid taking ibuprofen, unless you have a medical condition that makes ibuprofen less safe.
You should always wash your hands after caring for your child while they are sick.
What should I do if we need to come back to the clinic or hospital?
Call ahead before visiting the doctor. You should let the clinic or hospital know that your child was diagnosed with COVID-19. This will help them take the right steps to see your child safely and to keep other people from being exposed.
Remember, face coverings are required upon entering Children's Colorado. We encourage you to bring a face covering from home. If you do not have a face covering, we can provide each visitor one homemade face covering while our supplies last. Visitors or patients who are sick may be given a different type of mask.
Should I be tested for COVID-19? Should the rest of my family?
Getting tested is an important part of stopping the spread of COVID-19. This is because it helps you and your doctor determine when you need to enter quarantine or isolation. We recommend that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, even mild symptoms, get tested.
If you don’t have symptoms, you don’t need to be tested, unless you know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
If you are in quarantine, you can also be tested between days 5 and 7 to determine whether you have the virus. Learn our recommendations for getting tested in order to end quarantine.