A new study suggests that hospitalization rates are similar in children who have COVID-19 and the flu.
Researchers looked at more than 1,700 children who were either diagnosed with COVID-19 or the flu.
The experts say there was no "statistically significant differences" in hospitalization rates, ICU admission, or being put on a ventilator between the two groups.
However, children with COVID-19 were also more likely to report having a fever, cough, diarrhea, body aches, compared to those with the flu.
The average age of those who were hospitalized with COVID-19 was slightly older than those hospitalized with the flu.
The scientists say they did notice an abrupt decline in the number of flu cases after local schools closed and stay-at home orders were issued.
315 children were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March 25 and May 15 (just under 2 months).
1,402 children were diagnosed with the flu between October 1, 2019 and June 6, 2020 (just over 8 months).
