Children and the Swine Flu

It is flu season again and more and more I am hearing about parents with sick kids. The flu season does not peak until November and several cases have already been reported. The Swine Flu originated in pigs, but has now begun affecting humans. With many cases are already reported. The Swine Flu is causing a widespread concern and uncertainty in many areas. Expert epidemiologists admit there’s little knowing whether the outbreak will worsen into a global pandemic, or end up no worse than the everyday flu.

Many people do not know the difference between the Swine Flu and the seasonal flu. Some panic when they hear about the Swine Flu but if you removed the “Swine” it’s still just the flu. The seasonal flu should not be taken lightly either. The influenza kills more than 36,000 people and hospitalizes another 200,000 a year. The difference with the Swine Flu is the timing, as this Flu seems to mutate at a different time of the year. It is also affecting a different group of the population.

Symptoms of the Swine Flu
• fever
• cough
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache

How can parents protect their children?
Wash your hands. Make sure your kids are washing their hands regularly, especially after touching common areas that are shared with other people. (Door knobs, light switches, etc…)
Keep exposure low. If your child is sick or showing signs of being sick, let the child stay home. If your child is showing flu symptoms have your family doctor check or treat your child.
Coughing and sneezing. Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their shirt sleeve. The old practice would be their hands but this is no longer recommended.
The Swine Flu can be scary and alarming but there isn’t a lot of evidence that shows children are at a high risk. Follow the steps above and remind your children to wash their hands frequently and visit your doctor at the first flu symptoms.