INDIANA – At least one child in Indiana has tested positive for the coronavirus, but Dr. Brian Wagers says not to panic, you’re children will be okay.

Wagers, an assistant professor of clinical emergency medicine in pediatrics at IU Health, says don’t rush your kids into the ER if they don’t have a fever, aren’t dehydrated, and aren’t having trouble breathing. If it’s just a few sniffles first call your primary doctor, or use IU Health’s mobile screening app.

“As a parent, you have a good sense for, ‘this is not the normal run of the mill sort of thing,'” said Wagers. “If it’s not that then, please, go ahead and let us or one of our healthcare colleagues see your child.

He says there’s a certain protocol for bringing someone who may have the coronavirus into the hospital. They’ll ask a series of questions like, who you’ve been in contact with, if you’ve been traveling, and if you have a fever or cough. He says the Indiana State Department of Health will then determine if you get tested or not.

If you or your child does get tested they will then swab your nose and throat, and you’ll be sent home and asked to quarantine yourself until the results are back.

If your child’s test does come back positive, still don’t panic.

“Luckily, so far what we’re seeing is that children who do have coronavirus seem to have fewer symptoms and their illness doesn’t get as bad,” said Wagers.

He says the best thing is to let them rest, make sure they’re drinking lots of fluids, and minimize their exposure to other people.

If your child doesn’t have the coronavirus or any other virus like the flu, he says the best defense is common sense.

“So, we make sure that we wash our hands,” he said. “Even my own children, sometimes I have to sing the song to them and make sure they’re lathering up for a full 20 seconds.”

He also says to make sure they cough into their elbows instead of their hands, and that their friends don’t come over if you think they’re sick. He advises also talking to your children about the virus and how you’re going to try and prevent it in your home.

“Kids want to feel safe. They look to adults in their life, and we can provide that.”

 

Image by Vektor Kunst from Pixabay