Concern about SWINE FLU (H1N1 virus) continues to grow in day care centers, school districts, and communities across the country and around the world. Swine flu cases have been reported in all countries of Asia, so it's no surprise that children and families can become anxious about the infection. Young children may become extremely worried and fearful about the swine flu. They may worry about whether they will become sick or even die. Parents need to teach kids about being safe and healthy without creating undue panic or fear.
Start by talking with your children about how to prevent the spread of infections or illnesses, so that CAREFUL HAND-WASHING and overall hygiene becomes a way of life. You should certainly discuss swine flu and how it is the same and different from the regular flu, and be sure to dispel any myths (such as misunderstandings about swine flu being contracted by touching a pig), but the focus should be kept on preventing the spread of any illness.
Parent are advice to use this tips to protect their children from swine flu while easing anxiety and helping them avoid the bad germ in general
• Get all family members a SEASONAL FLU SHOT and a swine flu shot as soon as they become available. Yes, this means that two vaccines will be needed; the good news is that originally it was predicted that two doses of the swine flu vaccine would be needed, but now one dose has been determined to offer full protection. Yes, your kids may whine, but a fear of tears or the temporary drama caused from getting a flu shot is worth it compared with getting either type of flu.
• Remain calm and reassuring. Kids will pick up on, and then react to, your own fears or concerns. Be careful how you communicate -- both verbally and nonverbally -- when discussing the swine flu or any health concerns.
• Make yourself available. Your kids may want and need extra attention from you and may want to ask questions to help allay any concerns and questions. Give them your full attention, and don't brush off or joke about any of their questions. If their fears are not eased, kids may begin to fixate on the illness and believe it is worse than it actually is.
• Educate yourself about the swine flu. Before talking with your kids, make sure you truly know the facts yourself. Know the symptoms of swine flu and how it spreads. These include fever, sore throat and cough, e.t.c. At the same time, tell your children that just because they have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn't mean they have the swine flu. It might just mean that they had a cold or other type of common infection.
• Review basic hygiene practices. Unless you are with your child every single second of the day (and who is?), your kids need to know BASIC HYGIENE. Teach them at a very young age about how to wash their hands properly, to cover their mouth with a tissue when they sneeze or cough (or to sneeze into the crook of their arm and not their hands), and not to share food or drinks with anyone. This is a good as time to discuss the no-no practice of "double dipping" snacks as well.
• Be honest and accurate. Kids are hearing about the swine flu through the news and even from notes sent home from child care centers and schools. It is a topic that regularly comes up in conversations when parents or teachers talk, not unlike other ailments like strep throat and other communicable diseases.
• Make sure your child understands any new health and safety rules or practices. New preventative practices to avoid getting the swine flu or other communicable diseases may be implemented at your child's daycare, school or after school programs (such as no shaking hands or sharing supplies). Once you find out about any changes, review the practices with your child so she knows what to expect. Also explain that these changes will keep more kids healthier so she knows why it is important.
• Monitor news watching. Since the number of confirmed swine flu cases regularly dominate news coverage, your child may become anxious or begin to imagine the outbreak is worse than it really is. That's not to say that you can't keep your child informed; however, monitor the sources of and frequency of such reports.
• Maintain a normal routine unless it is not considered safe. Children need exercise and a regular schedule. Don't keep your child from doing normal activities or from participating in field trips or events, unless there is a justified reason for doing so. If you do make a decision about not letting your child participate in something because you feel it is not the healthy choice, be sure to explain your concerns and try and plan something fun instead. It is important too that your child doesn't think that all the other kids who attend the activity will get sick or get the swine flu.
• Keep your child home if he is sick. If he is running a fever or is otherwise sick, even if it's not the swine flu, KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL. Before returning to regular activities, wait until there's been no sign of fever or vomiting for at least 24 hours. It's hard to juggle childcare with a sick child, but avoid the temptation to give an ill child over-the-counter medication that masks symptoms so you can send her to school or daycare. That is known as “DROP AND RUN” parenting, and is one of the greatest causes of spreading contagious illnesses. You wouldn't want someone else to do that with their child and infect your kids; please extend the same courtesy.
TOGETHER WE SHALL MAKE EVERY CHILD LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE
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