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Help Kids Avoid Swine Flu Infection At School

Keep Your Kids From Getting Sick With the H1N1 Virus While In Class

Jul 15, 2009 Victoria Nicks

Proper hygiene can help kids avoid swine flu at school. Using antibacterial wipes can prevent swine flu infection in classrooms. H1N1 shots protect kids from the virus.

Children are especially vulnerable to infection by viruses, such as the H1N1 virus, which is also known as the swine flu. There are many different techniques that can help kids to avoid swine flu while at school, even when other kids are sick.

Washing Hands Correctly Helps Prevent the Spread of Viruses

Encouraging children to wash their hands frequently can help them avoid swine flu at school. It's important for them to learn the correct method of hand-washing, in order for this to be effective. Hands should be washed thoroughly, using soap and hot water, for the amount of time it takes to sing the ABC's. Many schools have sinks in the classroom itself, so teachers can assist by encouraging the kids to sing along with the alphabet song, or by setting a timer.

Covering Sneezes to Stop the Spread of H1N1

To stop the spread of H1N1 flu at school, kids should be taught the correct way to cover their sneezes, in order to minimize infection. Typically, people tend to sneeze into their hands, which is a common culprit for the spread of germs. While it is better to sneeze into hands, rather than into the air, there is a better way to cover a sneeze. In order to lower the risk of spreading H1N1 germs, kids should practice sneezing into the crook of their arm. This keeps the germs in an out-of-the-way place, preventing them from spreading everywhere.

Using Antibacterial Wipes for Better Hygiene

Sending anti-bacterial wipes to school with a child is a great way to help them avoid swine flu at school. Wiping desks, lunch tables, and other communal surfaces can kill the H1N1 virus and other germs, and prevent infection. Even shared pencils, pens, and the covers of schoolbooks can be cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes, to sanitize their surfaces.

Touching Faces Spreads H1N1 Flu Germs

Despite all the available methods for reducing the H1N1 germs on hands and surfaces, kids will still pick up germs on their hands. In order to help your child avoid getting sick this flu season, he should be taught not to touch his face. Touching the face allows the germs to spread into the body, causing an infection.

Getting the Swine Flu Shot

Getting the swine flu shot, or the inhaled version of the H1N1 vaccine, can also prevent the swine flu in kids. The swine flu vaccination is particularly important for kids under the age of 5, since they are at a heightened risk for complications from the H1N1 virus.

Common Sense Habits to Maintain Health

Parents can help kids avoid swine flu at school by teaching children the correct way to wash their hands, and how to avoid spreading germs when they sneeze. In addition, providing anti-bacterial wipes, and helping kids to get out of the habit of touching their face can also help kids to avoid catching swine flu at school.

Prevent Swine Influenza Disease in Kids

Recognize H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms to Avoid Contagious Infection

Swine flu virus symptoms mimic simple colds, but are more dangerous. Prevent serious illness by avoiding contagious infection from those with H1N1 swine flu symptoms.

Dangers to Babies from the Swine Flu Vaccine

H1N1 Vaccination Safety vs. Risks for Infants and Small Children

Infants and toddlers are vulnerable to swine flu infection, but may not be eligible for H1N1 vaccination. The CDC advises of swine flu shot safety and risks for babies.

Risks of Swine Flu Shot Containing Thimerosal

Mercury-Based Preservative Used in H1N1 Vaccination May Be Dangerous

Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative, eliminated from most children's vaccines to prevent mercury toxicity, but not from multi-dose formulations of swine flu shots.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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