Tips for Talking to Children About the H1N1 Swine Flu

While there is no question that the H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic is upon us, there is an accompanying need to talk to children about the Swine Flu and how to protect both themselves and others. Additionally, due to the extensive and often gloomy picture painted by media it may be necessary to reassure children that the world will not end soon, regardless of what the television anchorperson communicates. Talking to children about the H1N1 Swine Flu should include a brief education on the illness, personal protective measures and instruction on ways to prevent it's spread. In order to accomplish these goals an adult must first educate themselves on the subject matter so that the information they give to children is both accurate in fact and easily understood.

It is imperative to remember that children are the target audience of any discussion of Swine Flu, so information that is passed must be brief, clear and direct. An adult must make a conscious effort to take neither an optimistic or pessimistic posture in addressing the issue of H1N1 Swine Flu, the truth will always work the best. Begin by informing the children of what Swine Flu is, how it is spread from individual to individual, and how it can be largely avoided with a few good preventitive measures. Stress the importance of personal hygiene such as hand washing, and avoiding close contact with an individual that appears to present symptoms of Swine Flu. An adult talking to children about Swine Flu should attempt to instill a proactive attitude within them, explaining how their personal actions can affect and prevent infection and exposure.

As with any topic of a serious and adult nature, children will most likely present a torrent of questions in response to the information concerning Swine Flu that is presented to them. An adult talking to children about the H1N1 virus should anticipate possible queries, and respond in a timely fashion with sound answers. If the question put forth by a child is difficult to answer, research the issue on the internet, at a local library, or by placing a telephone call to the local health department or medical professional. An adult should resist the urge to "wing it" in answering a child's questions or taking liberties with the facts of Swine Flu.

In the final analysis, if done properly a child should walk away from the discussion concerning the H1N1 Swine Flu armed with the knowledge that is necessary to not only protect themselves, but actually be able to contribute to eliminating the illness. In an objective overview of Swine Flu, this is exactly how the virus will most likely be contained and conquered.