Parents who send their young children to day care or preschool have more cold_prevention_220concerns than normal as this years flu season approaches. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention these concerns are not without validity. The addition of H1N1 (swine flu) to this years regular flu season has many parents wondering what they can do to limit their child’s exposure to seasonal or swine flu this year. Infants under six months of age are too young to receive flu shots and have a high risk factor due to their age and immature immune systems. Any children over six months of age should receive flu vaccinations to help prevent sickness this winter. Beyond vaccinations there are several preventative measures that can be taken at home as well as child care programs. Parents are encouraged to talk to both their child’s pediatrician and child care provider to provide the highest level of protection for young children. Here are a few things parents should consider as we enter a potentially dangerous flu season.

 

  • Remind everyone in your household of the importance of proper hand washing. This includes both adults and children.

  • Children older than six months of age and adults should receive the flu shot to reduce the chances of getting the flu.

  • Pay attention to local news reports. Avoid locations that report an outbreak of the flu. Check with your child care provider on a regular basis to find out if other children are getting sick.

  • Do not allow your child to go to school, after school activities or child care programs if they are showing any symptoms of the flu. Call your pediatrician or family doctor if you suspect your child or anyone else in the household may have the flu. If other children in your child’s school are infected, keep your child home regardless of whether or not they are currently showing symptoms to reduce exposure.

  • Avoid large gatherings where you or your child are at an increased risk of being exposed to people who have the flu. This does not mean you have to hide in your house all winter, but consider activities that do not include being part of a large group.

  • All members of the household should be reminded of the importance of proper hygienic practices which include covering the nose and mouth (preferably with a tissue) when sneezing or coughing. Used tissues should be thrown away versus left lying around, and regular hand washing should be practiced to avoid spreading germs to other surfaces and/or people.

  • Talk to child care providers regarding their policies for sick staff or children. All programs should have a written policy for parents outlining how to proceed should a child get sick at school, when to keep your child home and what precautions will be taken while in school to reduce exposure to the flu.

 

While it may be expensive to keep your child home from child care programs at the first sign of a sniffle, it is worth the cost to keep them safe and healthy. No one wants to miss work or pay for child care services that they are not using (many programs charge regardless of whether or not your child attends) however no one can predict the severity of this flu season. Proactive measures are the best bet to reduce exposure to the flu and are well worth any inconvenience or cost.

 

 



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