HEALTH OFFICIALS PROVIDE FLU GUIDANCE TO PARENTS AND CHILDCARE PROVIDERS

Volusia County, Fla. – H1N1 swine flu is in our community, and the busy time for seasonal flu is quickly approaching. As part of our “Let’s Fight Flu Together” campaign, the Volusia County Health department and Volusia County Emergency Management are providing guidance to parents and childcare providers in talking to children about flu, and what to do if children become sick with flu.

Children younger than 6 months are particularly vulnerable because they are too young to receive any flu vaccine. As a result, individuals responsible for caring for these children constitute a high-priority group for early vaccination.

Children younger than 5 years are also at risk of complications and therefore are prioritized to receive the H1N1 swine flu vaccine.

Concern over flu – particularly the novel H1N1 swine flu – can make parents, caregivers and children anxious. The National Association of School Psychologists says that acknowledging concern without panicking is appropriate, and can result in people taking actions that reduce the risk of illness.

Below is some guidance on how to talk to children about flu and what to do if they’re sick:

§  Educate yourself first. Know how the flu is transmitted and the symptoms of flu and share that information with children in age-appropriate language.

§  Listen to children’s concerns and be reassuring. Reassure children that adults at home and school are doing what they should to reduce the spread of germs and flu. Tell children very few people are sick with flu, and doctors are watching closely to make sure as few people as possible get sick.

§  Teach children how they can help stay healthy. Teach effective hand washing techniques to children or assist them with effectively washing their hands regularly. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers handy for convenience. When coughing or sneezing, do so in a tissue or in the bend of your arm. Encourage them to keep their fingers off their faces.

§  Keep sick children home. Don’t send your child back to school until their symptoms have been clear for at least 24 hours. Further, parents and caregivers should stay home or

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encourage employees to stay home when sick. Have household or childcare contingency plans ready in case flu disrupts your plans or work schedule.

Additionally, public health officials offer these tips for home or childcare settings:

§  Check children’s health frequently. Keep an eye on children and take note of any changes of behavior. Take appropriate action to separate sick children from healthy persons – other children, adults and childcare staff – until the illness passes.

§  Conduct routine cleaning. This should include all areas, with a particular focus on items that could have contact with hands or mouths, like toys or play areas.

§  Know under what circumstances your childcare setting may close, and what you’ll do if it does. Be prepared and have a plan.

For more information about flu, visit www.volusiahealth.com. Let’s fight flu together.