Question & Answer

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Scientists, policy-makers and the public have been wondering whether children are at the same risk from COVID-19 as adults.
Just like adults, children of all ages can get very sick from COVID-19 and can have both short- and long-term health problems.
However, systematic reviews suggest that, compared to adults, children and adolescents have milder and fewer COVID-19 infections and generally have good outcomes.
The presentation of symptoms in children varies. The majority who are diagnosed have mild symptoms and many don’t have any symptoms at all, which we call ‘asymptomatic’.
The HSE recommend that children and their caregivers follow the current recommendations to prevent COVID-19 including: getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a face mask in certain settings, and washing hands regularly and properly.

If one study shows something, it does not mean that is the final answer.
Just because a claim is made by an expert or authority, you cannot be sure that it is trustworthy.
We can rarely be 100% certain about any claim.

Lead Researcher: Dr. KM Saif-Ur-Rahman, Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway
Reviewed by: Prof. Declan Devane, School of Nursing and Midwifery, HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway
Topic Advisor: Prof. Susan Smith, Professor of General Practice, Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin and General Practitioner in Inchicore Family Doctors, Dublin, Ireland.
Public and Patient Advisor: Ms Anne Daly, PPI Ignite, University of Galway
Journalist Advisor: Dr. Claire O’Connell, Contributor, The Irish Times

Conflict of Interest Statement: The authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest for this health claim summary.