Zar, Heather J.Green, Robin J.Madhi, Shabir A.2021-03-242021-03-242020-07Zar, H.J., Green, R.J. & Madhi, S.A. 2020, 'Childhood pneumonia in the context of COVID-19 : updated South African guidelines', South African Medical Journal, vol. 110, no. 7, pp. 581-582.0256-9574 (print)2078-5135 (online)10.7196/SAMJ.2020.v110i7.15021http://hdl.handle.net/2263/79075The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the importance of viral respiratory infections as a cause of mortality and morbidity. Fortunately, children across the world have lower rates of COVID-19 (disease caused by SARS-CoV-2) than adults, developing predominantly asymptomatic or mild disease. In South Africa (SA), <5% of COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in children, with few requiring hospitalisation and even fewer requiring intensive care. Even in children with underlying comorbidities, COVID-19 does not seem to be especially severe, similar to the global experience. Although children in low- and middle-income countries have a higher burden of pneumonia and severe disease from viral and bacterial pathogens, this pattern is not apparent with SARS-CoV-2.en© 2019, South African Medical Association. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial Works License (CC BY-NC 3.0).InfectionsCOVID-19 pandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)South Africa (SA)Article