What parents should know about COVID-19

Developed by Indiana Emergency Medical Services for Children and 
Indiana State Department of Health

Why is COVID-19 such a big deal? Flu is here every year, and my kids do just fine? There are three unique things about COVID-19 that make it a bigger deal for our communities.

Because it is a brand-new virus, more people are likely to become infected.

• COVID-19 is easy to spread from person-to-person. It can be spread by droplets, like when someone coughs or sneezes near you or on surfaces you touch. This is why it is SO important to wash your hands frequently, clean surfaces and try and avoid touching your face. This is how the virus is shared with other people. This is also why you should be cautious about attending large gatherings or visiting anyone over age 65 for the time being because they are particularly at risk.
• In most people, COVID-19 causes mild illness, which means that people are more likely to continue doing usual activities, like going to work, school and to the gym. While most infected children become only mildly ill, but they can easily spread the infection to other people who are more at risk. This wouldn't be as big a deal if everybody only got mild illness, but some people can get very sick. Unfortunately, there have been people, almost all of them older adults, who have died from COVID-19.

What should parents do?

1. Don't panic. COVID-19 is a big deal, and we need to take it seriously, but keep in mind that kids seem to be recovering very well from this virus.
2. WASH YOUR HANDS (and your children's) often. Hand sanitizer is good if you are on the go.
3. STAY HOME if your child or you are sick, even just a little bit sick. People who are a little bit sick share it with a lot of people, making a lot of people a little bit sick and a few people very sick.
4. Protect those in your community at greatest risk – older adults and those with chronic illnesses – by doing steps 1 through 3.

Dubois County Health Department

For the complete article:
 https://coronavirus.in.gov/files/IN_COVID019_ParentsFAQ%203.23.20.pdf 
 
For additional information, visit: https://coronavirus.in.gov/