Sports after COVID?
February 2, 2021
We don’t have a good picture of the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection in children.
In adults, we have heard stories of prolonged changes in lung and cardiac function after being ill, but it’s hard for us to extrapolate these experiences to children because (and all the pediatricians say together…..) children are not little adults. Childhood physiology and immunology is very different from a mature adult, so we cannot assume adult findings are what we should expect in kids.
This mantra, however, is challenged when we are facing a disease we know little about. We have no choice but to include recommendations based on what we are finding in adults while we explore similar patterns in the pediatric population. Over time, these recommendations may change. Right now, we continue pressing forward with an abundance of caution.
First, a few reminders:
Athletes should be wearing masks door to door, including during competitive play. The only exceptions are competitive cheer, wrestling, gymnastics, and water sports.. Coaches may have to be more prepared for frequent sub-ins and player rotations to accommodate for increased cardiovascular burn while playing masked. Two of my favorite masks for athletic play are from Athleta and Under Armour. Correct mask wearing should be enforced with violations resulting in being pulled from the activity.
As much as possible, athletic events should include players, coaches, and minimal official staff. Parents spectators should remain strictly limited, if allowed at all. The fewer bodies in the building, the better for the athletes and staff.
Do not send your child to athletic events if they are even remotely feeling ill. In addition, do not allow your child to participate for 14 days after a direct exposure. This sacrifice is the ultimate in sportsmanship and respect for your team.
If your child gets COVID-19:
Follow the local CDC guidelines for isolation and ensure recovery. Generally speaking, recovery from infection includes at least 10 days of rest and being symptom-free for 7 days before considering re-entry.
If your child is positive, all household members need to be self-quarantining. In other words, if sister is sick, then brother cannot go to his practice.
An infected athlete may need medical clearance prior to returning to play. Plan on seeing your pediatrician before getting back on the court if he/she is over 12 years of age (with or without symptoms), had symptoms lasting 4 days or longer, was sick enough to go to the ER or hospital, has a history of cardiac issues, or if you are concerned.
Plan on a slow return to play, regardless of symptoms. Many kids are experiencing a level of fatigue or shortened cardiovascular endurance, even after mild and asymptomatic infections. Allow your child to listen to his or her body and take breaks if needed, as they are re-entering play. Here’s a good example of return to play guidelines from CMH.
Here are specific return to play guidelines for Kansas athletes, and a return to play form for Missouri athletes.
There are numerous benefits to participating in sports, both physically and mentally. If we want our kids to play a full season, we have to maintain our vigilance. Let’s work together to keep kids playing safely.
