Guard Children against the Swine Flu Virus

First detected in late March and early April this year, A (H1N1) flu virus originated from pigs, has been rapidly spreading in humans and has produced cases of swine flu infection in the United States with an increasing number of occurrences worldwide.

Since it is believed that novel A (H1N1) virus is an influenza virus, it is thought that it spreads similarly to the seasonal flu each year. It is being passed through coughing and sneezing (through droplets) of people who are ill with the virus, or by having contact with surfaces and objects contaminated by the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, and eyes.

Symptoms of swine flu infection can include fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as chills and fatigue.

Since it is considered as a real public threat, it is extremely important that child care providers, parents and caregivers are properly informed about the severity of this illness to protect their children from this new outbreak.

How to keep children protected from the swine flu virus

Frequent hand washing

We all know that hand washing is important. But a simple habit can be the best protection we can have to prevent germs from spreading. Reminding and teaching children and child care providers how to wash hands regularly can have a big impact on your children’s protection from getting sick because of the new influenza threat.

• Child care providers should remind children to use soap and water in washing their hands as frequent as possible or use antibacterial alcohol if hand washing amenities are not available.

• Hand washing at the right time is also vital. Child care providers should wash their hands after having contacts with children and infants before and after feeding, after changing diapers, after wiping children’s nose and mouth after sneezing, and after helping a child in using the toilet.

• Since virtually everything in our home is sources of germs and bacteria, it is advisable to teach children how to wash their hands properly, that is, washing their hands for 15-20 seconds or equivalent to two ‘Happy birthday’ song.

• Child care providers should supervise the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer by children and teach them how to properly use it.

• Salmonella bacteria are most commonly lurking in restrooms so it is important to clean sinks, toilet bowls, and such surfaces regularly. Always keep soap, paper towels, and hand dryers in restrooms.

A Healthy and Clean environment for Children

Children are exposed to millions of bacteria, germs and microbes especially when playing outdoors or with toys. But even if they are vulnerable to many health risks such as the emerging threat of A (H1N1) influenza, it is really very important that they should be provided with a safe, healthy, and clean environment.

• To ensure that children are protected from germ-causing sickness, always make sure that their toys and commonly used items are clean and frequently washed. If in case, toys have been licked by a child, do not allow them to be used by another child.

• Disinfectants should be always kept out of reach of children.

• When sneezing or coughing, teach children to cover their noses and mouth with tissue and throw it into trash can. After they have sneezed or coughed, advise them to wash their hands thoroughly.

• Check if there are enough tissues in common areas where children usually stay like reading room, nurseries, and classrooms.

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