What to Do If Your Child May Have Been Exposed to COVID-19

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been within 6 feet of someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, it’s important to reach out to your child’s care provider. View our recommendations and tips regarding symptoms, testing sites in the Washington, D.C., area and more:

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

If your child is experiencing inflammation of different body parts or organs, they may be experiencing Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Learn more about MIS-C.

You should contact your child’s care provider if:

Your child has developed COVID-19 symptoms
Your child has been within 6 feet of someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19

If you feel that your child is having a medical emergency or life-threatening issue, please dial 9-1-1 or come to the Emergency Department.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Some children who have tested positive for COVID-19 have also had Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Children with MIS-C can have a variety of symptoms, such as fever, rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea and more. MIS-C does not appear to be contagious and it is a relatively rare condition. If you have concerns that your child is experiencing MIS-C, please call their primary care provider.

Test Results

What to Do if Your Child Tests Positive for COVID-19

To understand when to visit a doctor, how to avoid spreading the virus and how long your child should quarantine, read these recommendations for what you can do if your child tests positive for COVID-19.

Read the article

COVID-19 Resources on Rise and Shine

Get answers to frequently asked questions about why your child should get vaccinated, advice for parents with unvaccinated children and how to promote healthy eating habits while remote learning.

Read COVID-19 resources

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Now that COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed, you may have questions about the vaccines and when your family can expect to receive them.

Read vaccine FAQs

Why Should My Child Get the COVID Vaccine?

In this Rise and Shine article, Alexandra Brugler Yonts, M.D., explains why it’s important to protect your child from getting sick, as well as preventing complications of COVID-19 like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and post-acute COVID-syndrome.

Learn about the vaccine