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 for a health problem.
What is COVID-19? —
COVID-19 stands for "coronavirus disease 2019." It is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.
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.
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:
●Encourage your child to rest.
●Follow the doctor's instructions for giving your child medicines, if the doctor prescribed 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.
●It might help to use a cool mist humidifier in your child's room if the air is dry.
●Lower the 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 (figure 1).
•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.
If your child has not already been vaccinated, consider doing so as soon as they recover. Being vaccinated is the best way to protect your child and others.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if your child:
●Has trouble breathing
●Has pain or pressure in their chest
●Has blue lips or a blue face
●Has severe belly pain
●Acts confused or not like themselves
●Cannot drink or keep down any liquids
●Cannot wake up or stay awake
Call the doctor if your child:
●Becomes weak or dizzy
●Has very dark urine, or does not urinate for longer than 8 hours
●Has new or worsening symptoms that concern you – COVID-19 symptoms can be similar to a cold and include fever, cough, feeling tired, shaking, chills, headache, stuffy nose, and sore throat. They can also include digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea. Some people also get rashes or other skin symptoms.
Patient education: COVID-19 and children (The Basics)
Patient education: COVID-19 overview (The Basics)
Patient education: COVID-19 vaccines (The Basics)
Patient education: Long COVID (The Basics)
