Children respond to stressful situations by worrying and asking a lot of questions. Coverage of the Swine Flu (now called the H1N1 Flu or the Novel H1N1 Flu) is all over the news, the newspapers and the Internet. Many adults are panicked about the Swine Flu. This kind of worry and anxiety can also be picked up by and passed on to children.
Parents can decrease their own anxiety and their children's anxiety by learning more about the Swine Flu including ways to prevent it. The following article offers tips for talking to your children about the H1N1 Flu and answers to some of the questions and concerns they might have.
What Should I Tell My Child about the Swine Flu?
The CDC has provided parents with some beneficial advice to help children understand more about the H1N1 Flu or Swine Flu in "Advice for Parents on Talking to Children About Novel H1N1 Flu (Formerly Swine Flu) Concerns." This list of tips has been modified from their article.
- Ask your children what they have heard about novel H1N1 flu. This will give you an idea where to start.
- Answer questions openly and honestly, at a level they can understand. Focus on just answering their question rather than providing a lot of additional information.
- Be concrete and do not avoid difficult questions.
- Allow your children to express their feelings and concerns about the situation.
- Ask your child questions so you can help them identify and cope with their feelings.
- Limit your child's exposure to media and adult conversations about novel H1N1 flu . If they are watching television, watch with them and be available to answer any questions that might come up.
- Try and keep their activities as consistent and as normal as possible.
- Encourage other healthy behaviors such as eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep and getting out to play or exercise.
- When children are uncertain or afraid about situations they may need more affection and attention than usual. Be ready with hugs and affection.
- Use this as an opportunity to let them know what they can do to avoid getting novel H1N1 flu.
Wearing Masks to Prevent the Swine Flu
One of the images seen a lot in the media are people wearing masks over their faces. Depending on the age of the child, seeing people wearing a face mask or surgical masks might be a bit scary and is bound to raise a few questions with children.
People are currently advised to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of the flu and to stay at least 6 feet away. If one must have close contact with a sick person like when holding a sick infant, the CDC advises spending the least amount of time possible in close contact and wear a surgical mask or N95 disposable respirator.
It appears that the real value of wearing a mask is in keeping people who have the virus from spreading it to others.
Talking to Children about Pigs and the Swine Flu
Researchers initially thought that the H1N1 was very similar to the influenza virus that normally occurs in pigs (hence Swine) in North America. Further studies have shown that the new virus H1N1 is different than the one normally found in pigs.
You can reassure your child that he or she cannot catch the swine flu from eating pork or other pig products. The virus that causes Swine Flu, H1N1 is not transmitted by food. It is safe to eat pork and pig products that have been properly handled and cooked.
Unfortunately the term "Swine Flu" has caught hold in the media and the poor pigs are taking a bum rap for something they do not even have. Swine Flu is much catchier sounding than novel H1N1 flu. This is now the flu formerly referred to as “swine flu.”
Tips for Keeping Children Safe from the Swine Flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends some simple, everyday actions to prevent getting the Swine Flu.
- Wash your hands.
- Cover your cough.
- Don't touch your face.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
The CDC also recommends that people stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if they do become sick.
Key to keeping your children safe from the swine flu is to minimize contact with the virus and prevent transmission and prevent other people from getting the virus.This can be done with good hygiene practices – covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently and effectively and avoiding or minimizing contact with people who are sick.
More:
Dyer KA. 2009. How to Prevent Getting the H1N1 Flu. Suite 101.
Dyer KA. 2008. How to Wash Your Hands and Not Spread Germs. Suite 101.
Dyer KA. 2008. How to Cough and Not Spread Germs. Suite 101.
Kirsti A. Dyer - Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, health educator, professor, author and lecturer.
