What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

4. Symptoms in different populations

COVID-19 can affect people differently depending on age and health. Older adults are at higher risk of severe complications. Current CDC data shows significantly higher hospitalization and mortality rates in adults 75 and older compared with younger adults.

Children can catch COVID-19 at similar rates to adults, but they are generally less likely to develop severe illness. Some children can experience serious complications requiring hospitalization or, in rare cases, respiratory support. Risk factors for severe illness in children include prematurity, weakened immune systems, multiple chronic conditions, and type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Infants under age 1 are also more likely to develop severe symptoms.