What are the risk groups for children?
- Children
from 0 months to 24 years
- Children of any age who have underlying health issues
such as
asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), cancer,
kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular
disorders and weakened immune systems
How do I protect my child?
The first line of defense for children is to vaccinate the caregiver and the child as soon as it the H1N1/Swine Flu vaccine is available. Until your child has been vaccinated, protect them by practicing the following preventative steps:
- Practice frequent and proper hand washing. Proper washing includes lathering and scrubbing for 20 seconds. This can be measured by singing “Happy Birthday” twice. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. If no tissues are available, teach your child to sneeze into their elbow or shoulder.
- Teach your child to avoid touching their face, especially their mouth, nose and eyes. These are the ways the H1N1/Swine Flu can enter their body.
- Disinfect surfaces your child frequently touches. Use a household disinfectant to clean doorknobs, countertops, tables and toys.
- Avoid exposing your child to people who are feeling ill.
- If there is a large concentration of H1N1 cases in your community it is advised for children to avoid public events.
What if my child becomes sick?
- If you have a child under the age of five, or a child who has an underlying medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or a neurological condition who becomes sick, ask a doctor if they should be examined. Because these groups are at high risk for complications, it is important to watch them closely and contact your doctor early if your child’s condition becomes a concern.
Can my child have complications?
- Whether your child is in a high-risk group or perfectly healthy, they can have complications due to the H1N1/Swine Flu. If you see any of the following signs, call or take your child to the doctor immediately:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Not drinking fluids
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Difficult to wake or not responsive
- Irritable to the point of avoiding being held
- Flu symptoms improve, then return with fever and increased cough
- Has an underlying condition (asthma, diabetes, etc.) and develops flu symptoms, including a fever with or without cough
What about antiviral drugs?
- Antiviral drugs can treat the H1N1/Swine Flu. Officials are recommending reserving antiviral drugs for those who are hospitalized or have an underlying medical condition.
How long should I keep my child home from school or daycare?
- Your child should be kept home until he has been fever-free, and free of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours. (Remember to NEVER give aspirin to children or teenagers who have a fever.)
What the CDC and other Federal Agencies say about Children and the H1N1/Swine Flu:
- Action steps for parents with high-risk children.
- Advice on talking to your children about theH1N1/Swine Flu.
- Steps to protect your child and family from the H1N1/Swine Flu.
