How Parents Can Help Protect Against Swine Flu
Prevent H1N1 Infection With Vaccines, Hand Washing and Nutrition
Oct 10, 2009
Flu season is around the corner and swine flu appears to be affecting children and young people the most. Here are several different ways parents can help keep their families healthy during a swine flu outbreak.
Swine Flu Vaccine for Children
With parents and governments both concerned about protecting children from swine flu, a vaccine has been developed for the H1N1 strain that is predicted to re-emerge in the fall. This vaccine is designed to protect adults, children and the elderly from contracting the swine flu virus.
Some are questioning vaccine safety, saying that the new adjuvants being used have a higher risk of side effects such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and auto-immune disorders, while others claim this vaccine is just as safe as the regular flu vaccine developed each year. In Canada, un-adjuvanted vaccines will be made available to children between 6 and 36 months old and pregnant women. Homeopathic H1N1 vaccines are also available. As with any vaccine, parents are advised to do their own research on vaccine safety and efficacy.
Good Hygiene and Hand Washing Can Help Prevent Flu
Regular, thorough hand washing is the single most important precaution anyone can take to prevent flu infection. Hand washing can be difficult to enforce with small children, but they will benefit most since their hands and fingers often go into their mouth. Keeping household toys clean by wiping them down with a diluted vinegar solution will help keep viruses and bacteria from growing on them. If anyone in the household does become sick, keep that person home from the first indication of illness until they are well. Going to school or work while sick will only spread illness to others.
Boost the Immune System With Nutritious Food and Physical Health
The immune system works to protect the body against infection, and it works best when a person gets enough sleep, healthy food and vitamins. Parents can help keep their children healthy through flu season by making sure kids have age-appropriate bedtimes, vitamin supplements (especially vitamin D for breastfed babies), and helping school-age kids deal with emotional and academic stress in healthy ways. Staying physically active helps keep the body healthy and strong.
Understanding Flu Medications for Children
If a child does become sick with swine flu, he or she may be prescribed an antiviral drug such as Tamiflu. However, the UK government recently recommended that Tamiflu not be given to children under 12 as a first resort, because the side effects of vomiting, dehydration and hallucinations could cause further complications. If a child has a mild case of flu it may better to treat him with rest, fluids and pain medication to help bring down fever. Again, as with vaccines, all medications have risks and side effects and parents need to be responsible to choose the treatment most suitable for their child.
Good hygiene, common-sense care, such as keeping sick people home, and using medical interventions such as vaccines and antiviral medications when necessary all help people stay healthy and safe during flu season.
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