Covid-19 crisis hits India, again: Common symptoms of Covid in children

New Delhi: COVID-19 affects children differently depending on their age, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. While many children experience fewer or less intense symptoms than adults, it is important to understand how these symptoms vary by age group to ensure early detection and appropriate care. Recognizing these differences allows parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers to respond effectively, especially when symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for common childhood illnesses.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Gaurav Jawa (Senior Consultant- Neonatology and Paediatrics) at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi, listed the symptoms of COVID in children as per their age group.

In infants and toddlers (0–2 years), symptoms can be harder to detect because young children cannot verbalize how they feel. Common signs include fever, irritability, difficulty feeding, excessive crying, and lethargy. Some infants may also exhibit nasal congestion, coughing, or rapid breathing. Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea are relatively common and can lead to dehydration if not managed promptly. In rare cases, serious complications such as breathing difficulties or low oxygen levels may occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Because the symptoms in this age group can mimic other common infections, COVID-19 may sometimes go unnoticed without testing.
In preschool-aged children (3–5 years), the symptoms of COVID-19 become somewhat easier to identify. Fever and cough are the most commonly reported symptoms, often accompanied by sore throat, fatigue, and runny nose. Some children may also complain of stomachaches, nausea, or diarrhea. Though it is less common, a few children in this age group may report a loss of taste or smell. Behavioral changes such as increased clinginess, irritability, or changes in sleep habits may also signal illness. Since preschoolers are more able to express discomfort, caregivers should listen closely to their complaints about feeling tired or unwell.
In school-aged children (6–12 years), symptoms typically resemble those seen in adults and are generally more recognizable. Fever, persistent cough, congestion, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue are common. Many children in this age group also report gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Headaches and loss of taste or smell can also occur. While most children experience mild to moderate illness, some may develop more serious conditions such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), which causes inflammation in various body parts and requires urgent medical care. This rare complication often appears a few weeks after initial infection and includes symptoms like rash, abdominal pain, and high fever.
In teenagers (13–18 years), COVID-19 symptoms are often indistinguishable from those seen in adults. Teenagers commonly experience fever, dry cough, sore throat, muscle pain, and fatigue. They are also more likely to report loss of taste or smell and may experience chest pain or difficulty breathing in more severe cases. In addition to acute symptoms, teens may be more susceptible to long COVID, where symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and headaches persist for weeks or months after recovery. MIS-C, while still rare, can also affect teenagers and should be treated as a medical emergency if suspected.

Understanding how COVID-19 symptoms present in children of different age groups is essential for timely diagnosis and care. While many children recover quickly, early recognition of symptoms and proper medical attention can help prevent complications. Parents and caregivers should stay alert to changes in their child’s health, especially after known exposure to the virus. In all age groups, encouraging good hygiene, ensuring vaccination where eligible, and consulting healthcare professionals when needed are key steps in keeping children safe and healthy during the pandemic.