2. What to Look For: The Telltale Signs in Your Child
The symptoms of the latest COVID-19 variants can be tricky because they overlap significantly with other common childhood illnesses.
2.1. Common Cold or COVID-19? The Overlapping Symptoms
The most common signs of a new COVID-19 infection in children closely mimic a cold or the flu. Be on the lookout for any of the following:
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Head and muscle aches
- Sneezing
- Digestive issues (diarrhea, nausea/vomiting)
2.2. The Key Symptom: The “Razor-Like” Sore Throat
One particular symptom stands out with the Nimbus variant, offering a clue that you might be dealing with more than a simple cold.
The most distinct symptom is a “razor-like” sore throat. This is described as a much more intense, sharp pain compared to a typical scratchy throat.
Often, this severe sore throat is also accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the neck. If your child complains of this specific type of pain, it’s a strong indicator that you should consider COVID-19 as a possibility.
Now that you know the symptoms, how can you tell the difference and when should you act?