Tips For Parents On Talking To Children About H1N1

The following information was provided by the National Association of School Nurses.

Concern over H1N1 can make children and parents anxious. Children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children may panic. Parents should reassure their children. Children also need factual, age-appropriate information about the potential risk and they need instruction. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.

Remain calm and reassuring. Your children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions. 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.

Know the symptoms of H1N1 and how it spreads. Symptoms of H1N1 include fever, sore throat and cough. Some people also have a runny nose, fatigue, 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. Encourage children to practice good hygiene by washing their hands, by covering their mouths with a tissue when they sneeze or cough, and to avoid sharing food or drinks. These simple steps help the spread of flu and other illnesses. Giving children guidance ways to prevent getting the flu gives them a greater sense of control over the flu and will help to reduce their anxiety.

Be honest and accurate. Children often imagine situations far worse than reality. Don't ignore their concerns. Children can be told that there are many ways to avoid the virus and how doctors can help to treat people who do get sick. Contact your pediatrician and/or refer them to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for factual information.

Monitor television viewing. Limit television viewing or access to information on the Internet. Engage your child in games or other 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. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don't push them if they seem overwhelmed.

Keep Explanations Age - Appropriate

Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should balance H1N1 facts with appropriate reassurances that their schools and homes are safe and that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick Give simple examples of the steps people take every day to stop germs, such as washing hands.

Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what will happen if H1N1 comes to their school or community. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to prevent germs from spreading.

Upper middle school and high school students are able to discuss the issue in a more in-depth (adult-like) way and can be referred directly to appropriate sources of H1N1 facts (e.g., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of H1N1. Having such knowledge can help them feel a sense of control.