Are you worried about your children catching the H1N1 flu?

Are you worried about your children catching the H1N1 flu? We are going to be talking about how to help our kids not catch the flu on WUSA9 on Monday morning. It is something to be concerned about.

Now that kids are back in school, parents are understandably leery about recent serious health concerns. Recently the CDC reported 436 deaths and 6,506 hospitalizations nationwide associated with H1N1 flu. No one knows what this school year has in store, so what must parents do to make sure their child stays safe from the H1N1 Flu?

What can parents do to protect their children?

First it is important to note that based on its wide spread, the World Health Organization has declared the 2009 outbreak of the new H1N1 flu a global pandemic. And the best approach we can take with our children is to help them avoid infection. If you or your children develop symptoms of the H1N1 or any flu, seek prompt medical attention to give yourself the best chance of antiviral drugs being effective.
H1N1 flu symptoms in humans are similar to those of infection with other flu strains and they include:
· Fever
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Body aches
· Headache
· Chills
· Fatigue
· Diarrhea
· Vomiting
And the CDC notes that H1N1 flu symptoms develop three to five days after you're exposed to the virus and continue for about eight days. You are contagious starting one day before you get sick and continuing until you've recovered. This means that it is imperative for parents to keep children home and away from others as soon as they first become ill.
What are some preventative tips for parents.

The best way that parents can protect their children from this outbreak is with prevention. And the best prevention with any infection is to wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (parents should tell children to wash long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Parents should teach kids to wash their hands throughout the day. And parents can keep anti-bacterial pumps accessible. Explain what the pumps are and when it's appropriate to use them.

Also instruct children to cough and sneeze into a tissue. (If a tissue is used, throw the tissue away immediately). Remind children not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands. Germs are spread when a child touches something that is contaminated and then touches her or his eyes, nose or mouth. Plus remind children that sharing food and drink will also spread germs.
Additionally stay at least six feet away from people who are sick. And stay home from school if sick, and stay away from sick people until they are better.
The CDC’s website has plenty of additional information for parents and caregivers that are concerned about this newest health threat. Just follow the link on MomsLikeMe.com.



Flu Symptoms
· Fever
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Body aches
· Headache
· Chills
· Fatigue
· Diarrhea

Tips for Kids to Prevent the Flu
· Wash hands for 20 seconds
· (Teach kids to sing “Happy Birthday” twice when washing hands)
· Use anti-bacterial gels
· Contain your cough or sneeze
· Throw the tissue in the trash
· Do not share food or drink
· Stay 6 feet away
· Stay home when sick

And a quick reminder that our next Moms MEET UP will be in Silver Spring at Color Me Mine on this Wednesday, September 16, at 11 AM. You find details on DC.MomsLikeMe.com inside the Moms Do Lunch Group. Hope to see you there.

Brenda