Mild symptoms can include:

• fever
• runny nose
• sore threat
• cough
• headache
• diarrhoea – loose poos that are difficult to control
• general body aches
• being sleepier or less active than usual
• feeling generally unwell
• not drinking as much water
• a loss of taste and smell that can last for several months.

Children may have a moderate case of COVID-19 when they have the symptoms above, along with:

• becoming out of breath quickly but still able to speak and eat
• a high fever that does not respond to treatment
• increased vomiting
• increased diarrhoea
• not being able to stand or walk well
• dehydration – not drinking enough water and not producing enough urine or wee.

Call your local doctor if your child has mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 that cannot be managed well at home or if you are concerned.

Severe symptoms of COVID-19 can include the above, along with:

• respiratory distress
  • stridor – high-pitched, wheezing sounds when breathing
  • noisy breathing - grunting or gurgling
  • skin that gets tight and pulls in around the neck and rib cage when breathing
  • nostrils flaring when breathing
  • blue colour around the mouth and lips
• becoming unconscious, sleepy, or floppy
• skin that is more pale than usual
• feeling unusually cold and sweaty
• severe headache that stops your child from moving normally
• dehydration.

Severe COVID-19 and respiratory distress in children is a medical emergency.

If your child is showing symptoms of severe COVID-19 and respiratory distress, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance. Tell the person on the phone that your child has COVID-19.
 

Loss of or reduced taste and smell can be a symptom of COVID-19. This will usually improve within a month but can last longer for some children.

Loss of taste and smell can be stressful for children and affect their mood, mental health, and diet.

You can support your child by:

• speaking to your local doctor to see if another illness or health issue has caused the loss of taste and smell
• encouraging them to eat a healthy diet
• exploring new foods that may have stronger tastes or textures that can be enjoyed
• checking that all smoke alarms are in working order
• clearly marking leftover food with dates to prevent illness from eating off or rotten food
• making sure clothing is clean and washed regularly
• making sure that older children and teenagers bathe regularly and use deodorant, especially in summer and after activity.

Speak to your local doctor If your child has ongoing loss or reduction in taste and smell or they are not coping.
 

Fatigue is ongoing tiredness or weakness that stops your child from doing their normal activities, including:

• waking up to go to school
• staying awake consistently during the day
• being unable to play sports or with friends.

Strategies to help your child recover from fatigue include:

• having a consistent bedtime
• avoiding daytime naps
• reducing time in front of screens like computers and phones, especially before sleep
• gently building up physical activity
• taking a break from after-school sports and activities if your child does not have enough energy to get through the school day
• having a good amount of rest breaks throughout the day and between activities
• eating a well-balanced diet
• drinking plenty of fluids.

Long COVID is a condition where some symptoms of COVID-19 infection last longer than usual.

This includes symptoms that:

• last for longer than 12 weeks
• impact your child’s ability to do their normal daily activities, like going to school and playing sports.

Symptoms of long COVID are ongoing and can include one or more of the following:

• fatigue or ongoing tiredness
• lack of appetite
• abdominal or belly pain
• shortness of breath
• issues with memory, concentration, and sleep
• coughs
• muscle aches
• loss of smell or taste
• depression and anxiety.

Long COVID is less common in children and is diagnosed after a thorough check from your local doctor. They will rule out any other causes of the symptoms and develop a treatment or management plan for your child.

COVID-19 is still a relatively new illness. This means the long-term effects are still being researched.

Speak to your local doctor if you have any questions or concerns about long COVID in children.
 

You can reduce the spread of viruses like COVID-19 by supporting your child and family with the following.

Good hygiene:

• wearing a mask when unwell
• washing hands regularly with soap and water
• using alcohol-based hand sanitiser regularly
• coughing and sneezing into a tissue or the inside of the elbow
• regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched often, like door handles and benches.

Physical distancing when sick:

• staying home from childcare and school while having symptoms
• avoiding large crowds
• keeping a space of 1.5 metres where possible
• not touching, shaking hands, hugging, or kissing
• avoiding places where people are sick or vulnerable, including hospitals, aged-care facilities and around babies.

Ventilation:

• making sure windows are open where it is safe and appropriate to do so
• using existing ventilation systems where there is no natural airflow.  
   

The COVID-19 vaccination is a treatment that helps your immune system learn to recognise and fight the virus, preventing severe illness.

The type of COVID-19 vaccination and number of doses your child may be able to have will depend on:

• how old they are
• whether they are at a higher risk of severe illness
• whether they have been infected with COVID-19 before.
• Speak to your local doctor for more information about the COVID-19 vaccination in children.