by Artisttia Yarns

Created on: May 01, 2009   Last Updated: June 04, 2009

At the initial onslaught of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak, details concerning the spread of the disease were sketchy and virulence reported as deadly. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) rapidly revised protocols on how to prevent the spread of the disease; sometimes, they refuted earlier recommendations. Protecting our children became paramount for much of the nation.

General Information about Flu

H1N1 is a sub-type of the Influenza A virus. Historically these types of viruses affect children and adults differently. The good news is, unless the child/infant has underlying disease, children over five years of age normally recover quickly. Unfortunately, those under age-five with co-morbidity factors are not likely to fare as well.

Learn the Signs and Symptoms of H1N1

According to Dr Tim Uyeki, of the CDC, "signs and symptoms ... have been fever and typical influenza type symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches. But additionally...a high proportion of gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. So it is not just your typical upper respiratory tract symptoms."

What is H1N1 and how it spreads:

H1N1 is a respiratory illness which spreads the way seasonal flu spreads, which is person-to-person, commonly from a cough or sneeze. When a person coughs or sneezes, droplet secretions from the respiratory tract become airborne and fly in all directions. The droplets carry infection and can settle on surfaces. If a person touches these surfaces and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands they may become infected. This is because many viruses and bacteria can live outside of the body for more than two hours.

Steps to Protect Infants and Children:

Breast Feeding: If an infant is being breast feed, these feedings should not be discontinued. Breast milk helps boost an infant's immune system. This is the best prevention that can be offered, along with keeping them away from sick people.

Be an Example: Children love to do whatever adults do. Adapt a lifestyle which boosts immunity that children can emulate. Provide a good role model by eating healthy, getting enough sleep and using good hygiene. The use of good hygiene through washing of hands is the number one way to stop the spread of disease.

Show & Tell on Hand-washing: Let your children see you wash your hands properly, using liquid soap, as bar soap is a surface that can harbor viruses and bacteria. Teach them to wash for 20-30 seconds. Encourage children

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