The H1N1 virus, previously referred to as the swine flu, can be scary to think about, especially for children. Seeing news reports, and being aware of school administration or parents acting concerned or alarmed over the danger of the virus can cause tremendous stress for some children. Adults need to teach children ways to avoid catching the virus, but also need to provide reassurance and guidance.
Step 1
Learn about the virus yourself. Children need accurate information, and you never know what type of questions they may ask. Study information about the symptoms, causes, complications and ways to prevent the virus.
Step 2
Ask what they know. Some children may have already heard information about the virus, while others may not know what it is at all. Finding out what they know or if they have any misconceptions about the virus up front will help you adjust your conversation accordingly.
Step 3
Explain what the virus is, what it does and how it is spread. Let them know that the virus is contagious and easily spread, but also explain that there are things people can do to minimize their chance of catching the virus. It may be useful to compare the virus to other illnesses they have experienced so they get a better understanding of it. While it is okay to mention that the virus can make people very sick and can be dangerous, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, don’t dwell on this fact. Remain calm and reassuring throughout the conversation.
Step 4
Show them ways they can protect themselves against this and other viruses. Things like proper hand washing, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow instead of their hands, keeping away from people who are sick and avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth are simple things kids can do, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, but children may not realize the importance of these things until an adult points them out.
Step 5
Get their feedback. Give them time to express their feelings and concerns about the information you have shared, or to ask questions about anything they do not understand.
Step 6
Follow up. Sometimes children don’t think of questions until after the initial conversation, so following up with them a few days or weeks later not only ensures they remember the information you shared, but also gives them another opportunity to ask any questions they may have.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep conversations age appropriate. A toddler may need less details about the virus than a teenager. Look up information about any questions you are unable to answer with the children. When children do not have honest and accurate information, they may imagine situations much worse than reality, according to a joint publication created by the Parent Teacher Association, National Association of School Nurses and National Association of School Psychologists. Keep updated about the availability of the H1N1 vaccine, and talk to a doctor if this vaccine is right for you and your children.
- News reports may increase anxiety about the virus for some children, so monitor television viewing and Internet use.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Advice for Parents on Talking to Children about Novel H1N1 Flu Concerns
- National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children about Novel H1N1 Flu Concerns
- KidsHealth: H1N1 (Swine) Flu Center
- American Academy of Pediatrics: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information
