Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED because they have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19").
The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person. This usually happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks near other people. A person can be infected, and spread the virus to others, even without having any symptoms.
You might be waiting on your child's test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Give your child all their medicines as instructed, if the doctor gave them any.
●Offer your child plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or broth. This helps replace fluids lost from a fever.
●Give your child medicines to reduce fever if needed, like acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Read the labels so you give the correct dose based on the child's weight and age. Never give aspirin to any child younger than 18 years old. In children, aspirin can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye syndrome.
●Older children can use 2 to 3 pillows to prop themselves up when they lie down. This might make it easier to breathe and sleep.
●Do not smoke around your child or let them be in smoke-filled places.
●Lower their chance of spreading the infection to others:
•Keep your child home while they are feeling sick or have a fever.
•At home, try to have your child limit close contact with other people. You can also help protect others by having them wear a face mask if they are old enough.
•Wash your hands and your child's hands often with soap and water.
•Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with the inside of their elbow when they cough or sneeze.
•Do not send your child back to school or day care until their symptoms are improving and their fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without taking medicine such as acetaminophen.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your child is having so much trouble breathing they can only say 1 or 2 words at a time.
•Your child needs to sit upright to breathe, or cannot lie down.
•Your child has pain or pressure in their chest.
•Your child's lips or face are blue.
•Your child acts confused, or does not respond.
●Return to the ED if your child:
•Has a fever above 100.4°F (38.4°C) for longer than 24 hours and a rash
•Has trouble breathing when talking or sitting still
•Cannot keep any fluids down, has not had anything to drink in many hours, and has 1 or more of these symptoms:
-Your child is not as alert as usual, is very sleepy, or is much less active.
-Your child is crying all the time.
-Your infant has not had a wet diaper for longer than 8 hours.
-Your older child has not urinated for longer than 12 hours.
-Your child's skin is cool.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your child is having trouble feeding normally.
●Your child has a dry mouth.
●Your child has few or no tears when they cry.
●Your child's urine is dark.
●Your child is less active than normal.
●Your child vomits blood or has bloody diarrhea.
●Your child has diarrhea that lasts longer than a few days.
●Your child is vomiting for longer than 1 day.
●Your child's symptoms improving, but then get worse.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: COVID-19 and children (The Basics)
Patient education: COVID-19 tests (The Basics)
Patient education: COVID-19 overview (The Basics)
