COVID-19: When to take your child to the ER

If your child has tested positive for COVID-19, it's natural to feel worried. Rest assured that many children with COVID‑19 only experience mild symptoms. However, like adults, some children can develop serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms that require emergency care. Learn what to do if you think your child has COVID‑19 and when to go to the ER.

Signs and symptoms of COVID‑19 in children

Your child can show COVID‑19 symptoms anywhere between 2 and 14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some children may not show any symptoms.

Common symptoms of COVID‑19 in children can include:

• Fever (at least 100°F)

• Chills

• Congestion or runny nose

• Cough

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle or body aches

• Nausea or vomiting

• New loss of taste or smell

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

• Sore throat

Testing for COVID-19

A COVID-19 test can confirm if your child has the virus. There are two main types of COVID-19 tests: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests:

• NAAT tests, which include PCR tests, are administered by a healthcare provider. These tests are typically more accurate, but it can take up to 3 days to get results.

• Antigen or "at-home" tests. These tests can be taken anywhere and provide results within 15-30 minutes but may not be as accurate as an NAAT test.

The FDA recommends taking two antigen tests 48 hours apart if you have symptoms, or three tests 48 hours apart if you do not have symptoms to confirm that you do not have COVID-19. For NAAT tests, only one test is needed.

Families can order free COVID-19 antigen tests per household at covidtests.gov.

See more advice about how to prepare your child for a COVID-19 test and what to do if your child is exposed to COVID‑19.

Signs your child needs to go to the ER for COVID‑19

Watch for warning signs that your child requires emergency care for COVID‑19, such as:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone

• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, decreased urination) or inability to take liquids by mouth

Get emergency medical help immediately if your child shows any of these signs.

How to care for your child if they have COVID‑19

It can be scary to learn that your child has COVID‑19, but most children have mild illness and can recover at home. For moderate symptoms, talk with your child's doctor and follow their instructions for care. People who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and test positive can ask if they would benefit from antiviral antibody therapy.

Use these tips to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and help with your child's recovery:

• Keep your child at home and away from other family members, especially those who are unvaccinated or at high risk for severe COVID‑19 illness. If that's not possible and your child is over 2 years old, have them wear a mask.

• Wash hands thoroughly and often and clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in the house.

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, liquids and nutritious food.

• Use fever-reducing medications as needed, closely following dosing instructions.

• Keep track of your child's symptoms, especially watching for breathing problems or any warning signs that your child needs emergency care.

• Some families may monitor oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter. Ask your child's physician if that is recommended.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses stay home and away from others until they start to feel better and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication). They also recommend taking additional precautions such as wearing a mask and social distancing for the following 5 days. Learn more about the CDC guidelines.

Your child's pediatrician or school may have different recommendations or requirements for isolation. Ask your child's pediatrician if you have any questions during your child's recovery.

Learn more about COVID‑19

Children's Health℠ is committed to remaining a trusted source of health information and care for you and your family. See more COVID-19 resources to keep your family healthy.

Try our symptom checker

Use our symptom checker to get guidance on the right level of care, see first aid guides and find the right medicine dosage when your child is sick or hurt.