Abstract:
Reports indicate that children infected with SARS-CoV-2 have thus far presented with less severe disease than adults. Anxiety regarding
a greater ability to transmit the virus is largely unfounded and has played a significant role in the decision to allow children to return to
school. In some patients, however, especially in infants and in those with underlying comorbidities, severe disease must be anticipated and
planned for accordingly. The most relevant severe clinical presentation in addition to the established respiratory complications, is that of a
multisystem inflammatory disorder, with features resembling Kawasaki disease. The impact of the pandemic on the economic and social
wellbeing of children, including food insecurity and care when parents are ill, cannot be ignored. During this pandemic, it is imperative to
ensure access to routine and emergency medical services to sick children. In so doing, potentially devastating medical and socioeconomic
consequences can be mitigated.
