Based on available evidence, children and teenagers account for a low percentage of cases (fewer than 1%). In general, they do not become severely ill. Most infected children have had mild symptoms.

Children over 3 months of age do not appear to be at higher risk of contracting the virus than adults.

In addition to symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID‑19), children may sometimes experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Recommendations

Preventive measures that apply to the general public also apply to children.

Even if their symptoms are mild, children may be contagious.

Call 1 877 644‑4545 if your child has fever, cough, difficulty breathing or sudden loss of sense of smell without nasal congestion, with or without loss of taste, and if any of the following situations apply:

  • they returned from travelling less than 14 days ago;
  • they had contact with a person infected with the COVID‑19 virus.

See your doctor quickly or take your child to the emergency room if they are under 3 months of age and have a fever.

To find out what to do when your child has a fever, go to the Fever section in the guide From Tiny Tot to Toddler: from pregnancy to age two This hyperlink will open in a new window..