With all the heavy media coverage and talk about the H1N1 or swine flu, it is no wonder that children are anxious and have concerns about how it affects them. As a teacher, parent or caregiver, it is important to help children cope and understand the facts about the flu without scaring them half to death.
Step 1
Explain the symptoms. It is important for children to understand what the swine flu looks like, so they will recognize the symptoms and take action when they see it. Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those a cold but are much more severe. They include a fever, sore throat, and cough. Some are extremely tired, with body aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Step 2
Teach children how they can spread H1N1. Coughing and/or sneezing are an easy way to spread the swine flu virus. It is also possible to catch swine flu by putting your fingers on an item that has H1N1 flu virus on it, then touching your mouth or nose. You cannot get H1N1 by eating any specific food, especially pork.
Step 3
Provide instruction about H1N1 prevention. Basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices are some of the easiest way to stop swine flu from spreading. Frequent hand washing, using a tissue to cough or sneeze, and refraining from food sharing, are all effective ways to prevent the flu from spreading. A well-balanced diet, and plenty of sleep and exercise, will keep each person's immune system strong to help fight off illness.
Step 4
Provide an overview about H1N1 immunization. This includes explaining to children that their parents will stay tuned for vaccine guidelines issued by federal, state, and public health officials. Children should also understand that the vaccine is available by injection or by nose-spray. While both are uncomfortable, neither is particularly painful. Some children may require two rounds of the vaccine.
Step 5
Prepare them for what being sick with H1N1 could be like. Most people who get the flu must stay at home until they feel better, which usually takes about a week. A parent will need to monitor their temperature, make them rest and drink plenty of fluids, and keep them away from friends until the fever is gone.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to take on a tone that is calm and reassuring when explaining anything to a child that may be scary. The National Association of School Nurses points out children will react to both verbal and non-verbal cues, which means what you say and how you say it can increase or decrease anxiety.
- Children can easily let their imaginations run wild, and imagine situations that are far worse than reality. While it is important to acknowledge their fears, it is equally important to explain that most everyone who gets the swine flu fully recovers.
