COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to a range of other illnesses such as the flu. Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean that your child or you have coronavirus. Common symptoms of the virus include:

• fever
• cough
• sneezing and runny nose
• sore throat
• difficulty breathing.

Difficulty breathing can also be a sign of pneumonia. Urgently seek medical attention if your child or member of your family is struggling to breathe.

The below link from Healthify/He Puna Waiora has useful info about caring for your child with COVID-19 at home, and when to ask for help if you are concerned about your child’s condition.

Here's a useful COVID-19 information sheet from the Ministry of Health for parents and caregivers of tamariki with COVID-19.

If you’d rather watch a video, check out the recording below from Starship Children's Emergency Department doctor Emily who has some advice about:

• common and less common COVID-19 symptoms
• how to care for your child with COVID-19 at home
• when to see a doctor.

Breastfeeding provides an added level of protection from COVID-19 and other illnesses for your baby. Most often, babies who are breastfed remain healthy even when their parents or other family members are unwell with an infectious illness.

There is no clinical evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.

Considering the many benefits of breastfeeding, you can continue to breastfeed if you have COVID-19, while applying all the necessary precautions.

As well as making sure that you and all of your family are fully vaccinated and boosted, you can protect your pēpi by:

• washing your hands before and after contact with your baby (including feeding, nappy changes, playing and holding)
• washing your hands before touching breast pumps or bottles, and clearning them as recommended by the manufacturer after each use
• considering asking someone who is well to feed expressed milk or formula to your baby
• cleaning/disinfecting any surfaces you touch
• wearing a surgical face mask
• avoiding coughing or sneezing on your baby
• making sure you cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue which you discard immediately, then clean your hands again.

There’s more COVID-19 breastfeeding advice on the Health NZ link below (under 'Monitor and manage your symptoms').