Health Access Network Health Access Motto
   

TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT SWINE FLU

 

Stressful situations can often cause children to worry and have many questions as to why it is happening.  Confidence and a calm attitude will help children ease their worries and feel safe and secure.

 

Helpful tips:

 

  1. Keep activities as consistent and normal as possible.
  2. Answer their questions openly and honestly at a level that they can understand.
  3. Allow them to express their feelings and concerns and let them know that it is okay to be afraid or mad.
  4. When children are uncertain about situations and afraid, they may need more affection and attention than usual.
  5. Limit their exposure to the media and adult conversations of the swine flu.  If they are watching TV, try to watch with them and answer any questions that they may have.
  6. Use their questions as an opportunity to let them know what they can do to avoid getting the swine flu.
  7. Encourage healthy behaviors such as eating and sleeping well and getting exercise.

 

Focus on what children can do to avoid getting swine flu

 

  1. Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice (20 seconds).
  2. Ensure that they cough and sneeze into a tissue and throw it away immediately.
  3. Encourage them to stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
  4. Require them to stay home from school if sick, and stay away from sick people until they are better.
  5. In communities that have been affected by the swine flu, encourage them to stay away from large gathering places such as malls, movie theaters, and indoor playgrounds.