Children and COVID-19
Most children who test positive for COVID-19 will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Very few children experience severe illness, with symptoms including a fever, cough, runny nose and body aches.
For other symptoms see symptoms of COVID-19.
Children who are displaying symptoms, or who need other medical care whilst positive, can be cared for by their normal general practitioner or by attending a Walk-in Centre (for those over the age of 1).
Testing children for COVID-19 using a RAT
Children can be tested for COVID-19 with a RAT.
This should always be done by an adult. Please check the manufacturer’s instructions carefully as some RATs are not suitable for use with very young children.
If the RAT kit you have is not suitable for your child, or you are not comfortable to use the test, speak to your GP.
Using a RAT
Please read and follow the RAT instructions closely. Many test manufacturers have instructional videos online that you can also watch.
If your child has COVID-19 symptoms and has a negative RAT, they should stay at home until their symptoms are gone.
If the test is positive, your child has COVID-19.
Children who test positive on a RAT should stay home until their symptoms are gone. Follow your school's policies on notifying the school if your child tests positive to COVID-19.
If your child has tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 35 days, COVID-19 testing is generally not recommended.
It is important to note that your child may still test positive to COVID-19 without displaying any symptoms.
My child is scared/unsure about taking a RAT. What can I do?
We know that some children may find the idea of having a RAT scary or daunting.
There are a number of things you can do to help your child:
- Talk to your child – explain the process ahead of time
- Let them watch you when you next take a test
- Do the test at a time of day that works best for them (e.g. when they are less tired)
- You may also like to show them the video about testing with a RAT.
How do I care for a child with COVID-19 at home?
Most children who test positive for COVID-19 will have relatively mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Very few children experience severe illness. In Australia, children aged between 5-11 years are the least likely of all age groups to require hospitalisations and ICU admission.
Typically, children can be safely cared for at home by their usual household carers and do not need medical or hospital care.
Children who need medical care whilst positive can follow the pathways to care outlined on the page for people who are diagnosed with COVID.
When caring for your child with COVID-19 at home, you should:
- talk with your child about COVID-19 to help them understand what’s going on
- dress your child in appropriate clothing, so that they are comfortable – not sweating or shivering
- give your child plenty of fluids to drink
- they may not feel like drinking much so will need your help and encouragement to have small frequent drinks.
- encourage them to rest and not overdo it
- use paracetamol or ibuprofen only if you think your child is in pain or appears uncomfortable with a fever
- follow the instructions on the label, and do not give more of these medicines than is recommended in a 24 hour period, as this may be harmful for children.
- watch your child for signs that their illness is getting worse.
You can contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for general health information about COVID-19.
When should I consult a doctor?
Monitor your child’s condition and call your GP or attend a Walk-In Centre (for those over the age of 1) if you are worried or if you notice any of the following:
- persistent fever (greater than 39°C) which is not responding to treatment
- mild breathlessness
- reduced fluid intake, drinking less than half of normal
- reduced urine output, passing less than half of normal
- moderate vomiting or diarrhoea
- unable to stand or walk.
You can also contact the COVID-19 Care@Home program on 02 5124 3085 (between 8.30am to 5pm, daily) for advice on managing symptoms and to assist you with engaging your usual GP or another provider.
If you are concerned that your child is seriously unwell, has difficulty breathing, is severely dehydrated or fainting, please call triple zero (000) immediately and inform the operator that your child has COVID-19.
For more information, visit the Royal Children’s Hospital website.
Acute respiratory infections in children
Most acute respiratory infections in children are caused by viruses, and there are hundreds of different viruses that can cause these infections. These viruses cause illnesses such as the common cold, influenza (otherwise known as ‘the flu’), COVID-19 and more. They are common in children, and some children may experience multiple illnesses each year. For more information see acute respiratory infections in children.
Pathways to care for infants and children
If your infant or child is seriously unwell, please:
- call an ambulance 000 or
- go to the Emergency Department at Calvary or Canberra Hospital for review
If your infant or child is not seriously unwell, but you have concerns please consider:
During business hours:
- Call your GP for an appointment. Please inform the practice that your child has COVID so they can arrange the most appropriate appointment type, like telehealth or face-to-face.
- Call the COVID Care@Home team for advice on phone 5124 3085 (7 days a week, 8.30am to 5pm). This team will provide advice on symptom management and assist you with engaging your usual GP or another provider.
After hours consider:
- Canberra Afterhours Locum Medical Service (CALMS) after 6pm week days and all day weekends and public holidays. 1300 422 567.
- Healthdirect provides advice by phone only 1800 022 222
Please note:
- Walk-in Centres will not see children under the age of 1.
- Healthdirect provides advice only 1800 022 222.
If you wish to log your child's clinical progress on the MyDHR app please contact COVID Care@Home team on 02 5124 3085 so you can be placed as a proxy on their account and enter data.
COVID-19 vaccinations
Even though the disease is typically mild in children, it is worth encouraging COVID Smart practices of hand and respiratory hygiene, good ventilation, regular environmental cleaning, physical distancing, and age appropriate mask-wearing at schools and early learning facilities.
Evidence shows vaccination offers protection against serious illness from COVID-19 in children and may help keep your family safe and well.
Children aged 5 years and above can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as children aged 6 months to under 5 years who are most at risk of severe disease.
Further information is on the COVID-19 vaccines for children page.
