Many parents are worried about how the swine flu might affect their children. Read the latest information on what parents should know about this new virus and how they can protect their kids.
Young Kids More at Risk for Flu and Swine Flu
Young children are seen as being top priority for getting the H1N1 flu vaccination in both Canada and the US. This is because kids less than five years old are more at risk for getting the H1N1 influenza virus just as they are more at risk for getting the seasonal flu each year. As well, if they do get the swine flu or the regular flu, their chances of developing severe complications are higher too. Complications related to the swine flu include pneumonia and breathing problems and can put kids at a serious health risk. Children who are less than two years old are most at risk.
How Bad is the Swine Flu for Children?
In the US, most people who have gotten the 2009 H1N1 flu virus have become mildly ill and didn’t require medical care. This is the case with the seasonal flu as well. In Canada, most of the people who have had the swine flu, and this is especially so for children, have also had a mild case and gotten better quickly. But with swine flu or the seasonal flu, there can be people who become very ill once they get the virus.
Children with Medical Conditions Higher Risk for H1N1 Flu
The flu can be serious for children under the age of five and also for kids, no matter how old they are, who have chronic medical conditions. Here are some examples of conditions that put kids more at risk when it comes to the swine flu:
- Asthma or other lung problems
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Immune systems that are weakened
- Kidney disease
- Neurological disorders
- Neuromuscular disorders
Kids with such conditions can also get seriously ill from any flu, not just the 2009 H1N1 flu.
How Can Parents Protect Children From the H1N1 Flu?
There is an H1N1 flu vaccine available that children over the age of six months can get. Parents and people in contact with children under six months of age are also recommended to get the swine flu vaccine. Read about Who Should Get the Swine Flu Vaccine and speak to a doctor if there are any allergies or medical conditions any family members have that could impact them should they get a vaccine. A shot for the seasonal flu is also recommended for at risk groups like young children.
Everyday Protection Against the Swine Flu
Talk to and show kids ways to protect themselves from germs and to prevent spreading them as well.
These include:
- Using the sleeve of an arm to cough into
- Sneezing with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the garbage
- Keeping a distance from people who are sick
- Washing hands with soap and water
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available
- Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
Parents Can Also Help Protect Kids From Flu
Other measures parents can take to keep the spread of illness down are:
- If a family member is sick, keep him in a separate room from the rest of the household if possible
- Use disinfectant to wipe down surfaces like bedside tables, bathroom counters, kitchen counters and toys
- Disposable items like tissues used by a sick person should be kept out of reach of young kids and thrown away
Parents should know that kids under the age of five or those of any age with ongoing health problems are more at risk for getting the swine flu and complications from the illness. Parents can protect their children by speaking with a medical professional about any concerns, getting the swine flu vaccination, teaching children good hygiene to stop the spread of germs and to keep the home properly cleaned and disinfected.
Read about Swine Flu Facts and Swine Flu and Symptoms in Children for more information.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents, October 19, 2009.
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Advisory Committee Statement (ACS): Statement on Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (TIV) for 2009-2010, October 2009.
Public Health Agency of Canada. Information on Children Less Than Five Years of Age and the H1N1 Flu Virus, October 21, 2009.
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