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Did you know?
Children are at extremely low risk from COVID-19. In particular, those under the age of 15 are at greater risk from the seasonal flu.
In addition, in epidemiological studies globally and nationally, the evidence suggests that children seem to get COVID-19 less frequently than adults.
While children, including very young children, can develop COVID-19, many of them have no symptoms. Those that do get sick tend to experience milder symptoms such as low-grade fever, fatigue, and cough. Further, transmission among or from students is uncommon.
Evidence Summary: TK-6 Schools and COVID-19 Transmission
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 Data by Age
State of California Safe Schools for All Hub
California State COVID-19 Current Situation
Los Angeles County Public Health District COVID-19 Current Situation
The Centers for Disease Control provides information on COVID-19 prevention, treatment and symptoms on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html.
There are now vaccines to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, until they are readily available to the public, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. As a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face covering.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.
And don't forget to protect yourself from another common virus, the flu (influenza)!
At this time in the United States, and especially for school-aged children, the risk of getting the flu is much greater than your risk of contracting COVID-19.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for a full list of age and health factors that confer increased risk.
To be clear, the influenza virus is a different virus from COVID-19, and getting your flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19. But both viruses are spread in the same fashion, and there is a vaccine to help prevent the spread of the flu.