by Taylor De Lench of MomsTeam.com
© MomsTeam.com
2008-2010The new H1N1 “swine flu” virus has garnered a lot of attention from
the media recently, especially now that school is back in session and
the regular flu season has started. Influenza outbreaks are more
likely in areas of high foot traffic and dense population. The H1N1
strain, unlike the common flu, seems to prey on the young, who have not
acquired the antibodies during previous pandemics, affecting them more
than older people.
For these reasons, schools have been recognized as potential hot spots
for outbreaks. In particular, school sports teams, are of high risk due
to the close physical contact of teammates on the fields and on the
bus.
Schools nationwide are already experiencing outbreaks: 37 players on
Stillman College’s football team contracted swine flu. Tulane and Duke
have experienced similar infection rates on their football teams. 122
students at Camden County High School in Georgia fell ill to the virus
as well.
Prevention Tips
The risk is real, but there are many ways to limit your and your child’s risk of contracting swine flu.
The CDC recommends that you and your child:
-
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20
seconds (long enough for children to sing the “Happy Birthday” song
twice). Be sure to set a good example by washing your own hands.
-
Cough and sneeze into a tissue, and then
throw it away immediately. Again, set a good example by using tissue
yourself. If no tissue is available, cover your sneeze with your
sleeve.
- Stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
-
Keep you child home from school if he is sick, and stay away from sick people until they are better.
Symptoms
Symptoms of H1N1 include:
-
Fever
- Sore throat
- Coughing
-
Headache
-
Loss of appetite
-
Low energy
-
Lightheadedness
-
Diarrhea
-
Chills
-
Aches
-
Runny Nose
-
Vomiting
If your child appears to have some or all of these symptoms, they most
likely have the regular flu, but there is an increased risk that it is
H1N1 and should be treated as such.
Most cases of H1N1 are mild. However, if the symptoms include irregular
breathing, a change of skin color, non-responsive behavior, continued
vomiting, high fever, or a lack of urination, take your child to the
nearest hospital emergency room immediately.
Otherwise, contact your pediatrician and do the following:
-
Remove your child from school until fever and sickness subsides (1-8 days)
- Keep your child adequately hydrated
- Have your child rest as much as possible
