Preventing Swine Flu in Schools

A substantial amount of attention has been focused on Novel H1N1 in recent months. This virus is more commonly referred to as the swine flu. While several scientists and medical authorities are learning more about this terrible virus, it has certainly been demonstrated that children and teenagers are at a high risk of catching the swine flu. Around the country, students are returning or already attending schools and swine flu risks become greater as youngsters congregate and interact with each other in the school setting. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular seasonal flu and include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, aches, and coughing. Some children who become sick also display runny noses, sore throats, vomiting, and diarrhea. Because the swine flu has become more prevalent and is obviously spreading, the most important action that students and parents should take regarding this flu is prevention. In consulting with family practitioner, Dr. Wanda Guy-Craft, she recommended the following actions for avoiding swine flu as well as other diseases and infections in schools.

Eat Healthy- You need to make sure your child is eating a well balanced diet. Plenty of vegetables and foods with nutrients are essential to providing sustenance to a student's immune system. A strong immune system generally provides a fortress against attack from outside viruses and germs. Teachers and parents should remind students of positive dietary habits.

Get Rest- Most youngsters will probably beg to stay up late, play video games, converse on the phone, and watch television. Some may even spend extra hours on homework. However, regular nights of uninterrupted rest are very important to a student's overall health. Even if kids say they are not sleepy, parents should develop a regular habit of getting them in bed and catching some shut-eye. Proper sleep gives kids the necessary strength and stamina for combating various viral infections such as the swine flu when they are in school.

Wash your Hands- Students should make a firm habit of washing their hands on a regular basis with soap and water. I always recommend to my children that they count to 45 as they scrub with soap and then rinse. Hands should definitely be washed anytime they cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not readily available at school, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be very effective. Send a bottle of hand sanitizer to school with your child to keep in their teacher's room. Also, have your child keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their book bag or locker. Hands must be cleaned before visiting the school cafeteria or consuming food. Teachers should make it mandatory that students pay a visit to the nearest sink and properly wash their hands before entering the school cafeteria.

Contact the Cleaning Crew- Teachers and custodial staff should make sure the school setting remains clean and healthy. Use a disinfectant spray on a regular basis each day to kill germs that thrive in the classroom. Make certain garbage cans are emptied daily and sanitized. School restrooms should be fully stocked with soap and paper towels.

Protect your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth- Inform your child to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Hands should never touch these areas during the school day. Germs easily spread inside the body when we touch these areas. Children should cover their nose and mouth whenever they cough or sneeze. However, using their sleeve is a better choice than using the hand. Tissues are a good thing to have handy with your child at school. Teachers should keep a fresh supply of boxed tissues in their classroom.

Stay at Home- You should keep your child home whenever they have a fever. If your child shows flu-like symptoms, they do not need to be around others that they can infect. Sick children should not be allowed to return to school or participate in any group activities which put them in contact with other people until their fever has not been present for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.

Stay away from Sick People- Your children should avoid being around others who are infected with the swine flu. If a family member is ill, try to keep them away from children in the family. While it may be difficult or impossible, staying away from someone who is ill will greatly protect the child from swine flu.
Take a shot- While vaccine may not be available for the swine flu, it is recommended that parents have their children vaccinated against regular seasonal flu. If children do become ill, you should contact your local health provider immediately. Official medical advice is always important.