Tips for Preventing Swine Flu in Schools

School is back in session and with the new outbreaks of the Swine Flu in the news reports it has our school officials, parents and even kids on pins and needles. When my son started school 4 weeks ago our principle and leaders of the school sat each and everyone of us down and discussed all the preventative measures we as parents can take, and our kids too, to help stop the Swine Flu taking over our school. I do also want to state out that those tips I will be discussing with you shortly are not only good for the Swine Flu, but for the regular flu and any other type of virus out there.

Tip 1:
The Swine Flu's symptoms are not eye popping. They are really like the regular flu that comes out every fall. Fever (100 degrees plus), vomiting, body aches, diarrhea, and chills. If your child comes down with these symptoms DO NOT send him to school!

Tip 2:
Even if your child is not showing signs of all the symptoms I listed above in Tip 1, but he does have a fever, DO NOT send him to school. While a child may not have the aches or vomiting, when there is a fever, that is when the virus is passed onto other kids.

Tip 3:
If by chance your child has gone to school and there is someone sick in his or her class (not all kids can stay home) then tell your child to avoid contact with that child. If this is a close friend of his, have your child explain to the sick child that he realizes he is sick and until he feels better he can not be around him.

Tip 4:
When you cough or sneeze either do it in a tissue or the bend of your elbow. Never in your hands because your hands are what passes the virus bug more then any other place on your body.

Tip 5:
Wash your hands as often as you can. If soap and water are unavailable then use sanitizer. I tell my son everyday that when he passes the sanitizer bottle in the class to squirt some in his hands. Also use it as much as possible right before you each lunch and before and after using the bathroom.

Tip 6:
Keep hands (your child's and other children's) away from eyes, nose and mouth. Your hands are the dirtiest part of your body and once you touch those three places the germs on your hands can go back into your body.

Tip 7:
DO NOT SHARE! I know this is a lesson we were always told not to do when we were growing up, but tell your child if you see another kid in the class place something on his mouth, or plays with something and he does not use sanitizer often that you do not want to play with the items they are offering you. Also do not share food, cups, or straws!

If you use these tips plus a little common sense you can help prevent the Swine Flu in your child's school. I am not saying that these tips will make your school completely safe from obtaining the Swine Flu, however if you don't use these tips then you are opening your child up to a guaranteed case of the Swine Flu!