Preventing H1N1 (Swine) Flu in Middle School Children
Source: Beth Ann Ditkoff, MD
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Experts are reporting that the H1N1 flu will come back rapidly in early autumn as well as the usual flu, which is expected in late fall. Although there are ongoing clinical vaccine trials specific to H1N1 flu, it is unclear if a vaccine will be perfected in time. There have also been alarming reports of the virus undergoing rapid mutations as well as possible instances of the virus being resistant to Tamiflu, an anti-viral medication.
Since the H1N1 flu remains a serious threat taking steps to limit the spread of the virus through prevention seems the best course of action. School closings may occur in the fall including reactive dismissals that are due to a high absentee rate among students and staff or preemptive dismissals in order to prevent the spread of disease. In an effort to prevent the latter type of school closing, the Centers for Disease Control is advising school officials to increase social distances between students--examples include canceling large assemblies or field trips, moving desks farther apart and allowing students to stay in a single classroom while teachers rotate through the school. Decisions regarding school closures are made locally and balance the two problems of decreasing the number of people who become seriously ill from the virus and minimizing school disruptions.
The virus is spread from person-to-person thru coughing/sneezing or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Thus cough hygiene etiquette is the most important way to avoid contracting H1N1 flu. Tweens are old enough to understand the following tips, and they are mature enough to perform these steps carefully:
- Handwashing is extremely important. Wet your hands and apply soap--it can be liquid or bar soap. Scrub your hands thoroughly. Make sure to lather all surfaces for 20 seconds (the length of time it takes to sing/hum "Happy Birthday"). Use a paper towel or air dryer. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based wipe or hand gel. If the school doesn't provide sanitizers, send your child with some--manufactures have many different choices including small bottles that can clip to your child's knapsack or fit in their lunch bag.
- Remind your tween to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom and after touching your pet.
- Pack some tissues for your child so they can use them to cover their nose/mouth when they sneeze. If tissues are not available, instruct your child to sneeze into his/her sleeve.
- Explain that touching your nose, eyes or mouth with your hands can spread the virus, so touching the face should be avoided.
Tweens can sense your anxiety. Rather than presenting H1N1 flu as an unknown and scary possibility, teach your children the basic facts and these easy steps to prevent spreading the illness. If you adopt these tips as well, you serve as a role model for your tween, showing that they have some control over the situation. By empowering your tween with knowledge and basic facts, he/she is able to focus on being proactive, rather than feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
For more information, check out these websites: www.cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control) and www.nih.gov (National Institutes of Health).
This article is written by Beth Ann Ditkoff, MD.
Beth Ann Ditkoff, MD is the author or Why Don't Your Eyelashes Grow? Curious Questions Kids Ask About the Human Body (Avery 2008)
