10 Subtle Signs Your Child Has Coronavirus

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, you likely heard it was mainly a serious threat to senior citizens. Today, we know that COVID-19 can seriously affect people of all ages, including school-age children. Doctors are noticing what they're calling Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, which causes inflammation throughout the body and can attack the heart. At least 145 cases have been reported in New York City alone, with many admitted to intensive care. Compared to adult COVID-19, it is very rare. But it's worth being vigilant for signs of the syndrome, which can be subtle at first. Here's what to look out for.

This weekend, the New York Times reported on the case of 14-year-old Jack McMorrow, whose first sign of the syndrome was a speckled reddish rash on his hands. Peeling skin on the hands or feet has also been reported, along with "COVID toes," red, sore or itchy swellings on the toes.

As in adults, COVID-19 can first show up with gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

McMorrow developed a "tennis-ball-sized" enlarged lymph node on his neck. In children, the Mayo Clinic normally suggests seeing your doctor when enlarged lymph nodes last longer than two weeks. But if they're accompanied by fever or other symptoms, call your doctor ASAP.

According to the CDC, a fever over 100.4 Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours is a hallmark of the syndrome. If your child spikes a temperature that won't go away, note other symptoms and call your doctor.

McMorrow said he experienced pain throughout his body in a "throbbing, stinging rush" that felt like "someone injected you with straight-up fire." 

Very red eyes ("pinkeye" or conjunctivitis) are also a symptom of the syndrome, Michigan Health reports.

The classic sign of COVID-19 is a persistent dry cough, possibly accompanied with chest tightness, pain or shortness of breath. 

This is a serious symptom. If your child experiences any difficulty getting air, seek medical attention ASAP.

Another common sign of the virus is a red or sore throat. According to Johns Hopkins, this and other common COVID-19 symptoms can be mild at first and become more intense over five to seven days.

A sudden inability to smell or taste has been reported by some people with COVID-19. An early study found that people with this symptom were more likely to have a mild case of the disease; it may indicate the virus has mainly attacked the nose instead of the lungs.

And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these Things You Should Never Do During the Coronavirus Pandemic.