Swine Flu: Safety, Prevention Tips for School

Now that the summer is ending it is time to start a new school year. Unfortunately along with the many worries that come with preparing for school is the concern about the swine flu (H1N1 Flu Virus). Unlike the typical seasonal flu the swine flu has proven to be deadly for children and Young adults. During the close of the past school year. Many students contracted the virus, and unfortunately several children and young adults lost their lives due to the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that this upcoming fall and winter will bring an overwhelming number of swine flew cases in America. Because the vaccine for the typical seasonal flu is not effective against the swine flu had to be made. However the supply is limited. So not everyone will be able to get vaccinated. So people on their have to do all they can to protect themselves.

Among the ones most at risk of contracting the swine flu are school children. Parents can protect their children by having them vaccinated for the swine flu. Although there is a limited supply of vaccine the CDC has stated that children are a priority in receiving the vaccine because they are more at risk of getting the virus.

Whether or not a child is vaccinated, a parent should seriously talk to their children about the dangers of the swine flu and instruct them on ways to protect themselves at school. Things parents can tell their children to do are the following:

Children should be told to wash their hands after using the restroom and before eating.

They should avoid sharing drinks, food, and eating utensils.

Avoid hugging, kissing, and holding hand because the number one way germs are spread is through close physical contact.

Avoid sharing school supplies.

Avoid sharing clothes.

Avoid sharing lip gloss and lip stick.

When covering ones mouth when sneezing or couching, the germs get on the hands and spread to others by touching other people or things. People are now being told to sneeze and cough on their arm sleeve instead of in their hands. This is to prevent the spread of germ by hand contact. However, the germs get on the clothes just the same and can be spread through hugging and even sharing clothes.

Hand washing is the best protection. Washing with hot water and soap gets rid of the germs. So instruct your child to did it frequently.

Parents can assist their children's school in protecting the children by demanding that the school do the following:

Daily over the intercom the school office should warn students about the swine flu.

During bathroom breaks teachers should remind students to wash their hands.

Before lunch teachers should take their class to the restroom to wash their hands.

Signs and posters about the swine flu should be posted all over the schools, in hallways, classrooms, in the cafeteria, in gyms, on doors, and on playgrounds.

Teachers should be told to report sick children to the nurses, and sick children should be sent home immediately.

Children who have caught the swine flu should not be allowed to return to school without a note from a doctor.

The swine flu has proven to be the deadliest of the flu viruses and threaten the young. However, with supervision and education the effects of the virus can be minimized.