H1N1 FLU UPDATE

The Williamson County Schools Health Services Department would like to encourage parents to take the time to talk with their child about the current flu illnesses that are present in school and community environments.  "Let their questions be a guide as to how much information to provide," says WCS Health Services Coordinator Jill Casada.  "However, don’t avoid giving them the information that health experts identify as critical to ensuring your child's health."

Below is a list of suggestions for parents to keep in mind when discussing the H1N1 flu virus and other illnesses with their children:

• Remain calm and reassuring.  Children react and follow both verbal and nonverbal reactions.  What you say and do about the flu virus and current prevention efforts can either increase or decrease your child’s anxiety.  If true, emphasize to your children that they and your family are fine.  Remind them that you and the adults at their school are there to keep them safe and healthy.  Let your children talk about their feelings and help put their concerns into the appropriate perspective.
   

• Make yourself available.  Your children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns and questions.  Make time for them and reassure them that you will take care of them.
   

• Know the symptoms of flu (including H1N1) and how it spreads.  Symptoms of H1N1 have been reported to include fever, sore throat and cough.  Some people also have had runny nose, extreme tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  The virus is transmitted through the coughing or sneezing of people infected with the virus.  People may also become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouths or noses.  The virus is not spread by eating pork or other foods.
   

• Review basic hygiene practices with your children.  Encourage children to practice daily good hygiene by washing their hands, by covering their mouths with a tissue when they sneeze or cough, and by not sharing food or drinks.  Allowing children to show they understand and are doing these steps well will help them feel that they have some control  over the “catching” of the illness and will reduce their anxiety.
   

• Be honest and accurate.  Children may imagine situations far worse than reality.  Don’t ignore their concerns, but rather explain that at the present moment most people, even if they are sick, will be okay.  Nationwide, the number of people who are currently sick is very small.  Contact your school nurse, pediatrician and/or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for factual information.
   

• Monitor television viewing.  Limit television viewing or access to information that you can observe increasing your child’s anxiety.  Engage your child in games or other interesting activities instead.  Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children.
   

• Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.  Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promotes physical health.  Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise.  Encourage them to keep up with their school work and extracurricular activities, but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.
   

• Communicate with your school.  Let your school know if your child is sick and keep them home.  Talk to your school nurse, school psychologist, school counselor or school social worker if your child is having difficulties as a result of anxiety or stress related to the flu.  They can give guidance and support to your child at school. 

This information was taken from The National Association of School Psychologists, The National Association of School Nurses, and The National Parent Teacher Association: www.nasponline.org, www.nasn.org, www.pta.org.

Other online resources are:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.com

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
http://www.hhs.gov/

U.S. Department of Education:
http://www.ed.gov