5. What to Do If You Suspect COVID-19

If your child shows symptoms, here are the recommended steps.

1. Don’t Guess, Test Because symptoms alone are not enough for a diagnosis, testing is the only way to confirm COVID-19. There are two main types of tests:
   • PCR Tests: Considered the most reliable method because they detect the virus’s genetic material.
   • Rapid Antigen Tests: These provide faster results but are less sensitive. If the first test is negative but symptoms continue, it’s recommended to repeat the test after a few days, as the amount of virus in the system (the viral load) may not be high enough to be detected in the very early stages of infection.
2. Isolate While You Wait It is recommended that anyone with symptoms stay isolated until their test result is clear to prevent spreading the virus to others.
3. Consult a Doctor All health concerns, diagnoses, and treatment plans should be handled by a doctor or a healthcare facility. Self-diagnosing based on symptoms is not recommended.