While COVID-19 cases are dropping nationwide, the virus is still circulating. Unfortunately, babies and t children of any age can catch COVID-19 and experience its symptoms. As a parent, understanding how COVID-19 symptoms present in children can help you protect and care for your child. 

The Severity of COVID-19 Infections in Children

Babies and kids are equally as likely to become infected with COVID-19 as adults. However, children aren’t as likely to become severely sick with COVID. In most cases, babies, kids, and adolescents who are infected with the virus are asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms similar to the common cold. 

With that said, children with pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to become severely ill with COVID-19. Diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, obesity, sickle cell disease, and any underlying condition that weakens the immune system are examples of pre-existing health concerns that can lead to severe illness with COVID in children.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children

Children who are symptomatic with COVID-19 typically have symptoms similar to those seen in adults. Potential symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Sore throat
• New loss of smell or taste
• Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• Skin changes (i.e. discolored patches on hands and feet)
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nasal congestion

Generally, COVID-19 symptoms develop around six days after exposure to the virus. However, this can vary depending on the variant. The Omicron variant, for example, often has a shorter incubation period (two to three days). 

COVID-19 Vaccinations For Children

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of five receive a COVID-19 vaccine. While not a guarantee against catching the virus, vaccinations can prevent severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Additionally, getting your child vaccinated can prevent the spread of COVID-19 at home, in school, and in other public places throughout your community.

At Suncoast Urgent Care, we offer COVID-19 testing (including rapid testing), as well as medical care for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. Contact us today for more information!

Most people get a stuffy nose at least a handful of times per year. Often referred to as nasal congestion, a stuffy nose can produce uncomfortable symptoms which can be brought on by a number of triggers. Pinpointing the precise cause of your nasal congestion will ultimately help you receive the care that you need to breathe easily again. 

The common causes of a stuffy nose include:

Allergies

Allergies are a very common cause of nasal congestion. If you have allergies, your immune system attacks foreign substances such as pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites. The natural immune response to an allergen leads to inflammation and mucus production that can also cause a stuffy nose. 

Viral Infection

Several common viral infections can also be the source of a stuffy nose. When a virus enters your body through the nose, it can multiply within the lining of the sinuses. As the immune system works to fight the infection, it causes inflammation that can trigger a stuffy nose. The common cold, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are examples of viral infections that can provoke nasal congestion. 

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become swollen and can lead to mucus accumulation,  resulting in a stuffy nose.  There are also other associated symptoms including sinus pain and swelling. In most cases, acute sinusitis is triggered by the common cold, hay fever, nasal passage abnormalities, and smoke exposure.

Sinusitis is easy to mistake for allergies and typical viral infections. Therefore, to know for sure whether or not your stuffy nose is the result of sinusitis, you’ll most likely need to consult a doctor for an evaluation. 

At Suncoast Urgent Care, we provide you with relief for nasal congestion, along with other respiratory complaints. Contact us today to learn more!