General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes CDC information and does not diagnose an individual respiratory illness.
How does COVID-19 commonly present in children?
CDC states that many children experience asymptomatic, mild or moderate illness and that initial symptoms can include fever, cough and other respiratory symptoms.
Can children become seriously ill?
Yes. CDC reports that some children develop severe illness requiring hospital or intensive-care admission, although this is less common than mild illness.
Which children can face higher risk?
CDC reports higher risk of severe illness among children with certain underlying medical conditions, including obesity, diabetes and cardiac, lung or neurologic disorders.
Can symptoms alone identify COVID-19?
No. Symptoms overlap with other respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, and this Parent Resource cannot determine the cause of an individual child’s illness.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Considerations for Special Populations: Pediatric populations, content reviewed in 2026. Source reviewed 3 September 2026.