Preventing Swine Flu: H1N1 And The New School Year

After causing a huge stir all across the nation last year, H1N1 is still very much on the minds of school administrators, teachers, students and parents as the new school year begins.

Medical personnel and local and state school officials converge with parents and incoming students to help continue the education about this very contagious strain of flu.

This year officials want to try to preemptively prevent the rampant spread of it and avoid as many complications as possible. Many institutions have implemented H1N1-specific guidelines and regulations for students, faculty and staff to follow to help minimize the impact of the virus this year.

Parents should stay aware of these guidelines and remain vigilant at home to ensure all the safety precautions are a part of their student’s after school life as well as their life during school hours.

Here are some things to know about the H1N1 strain of the flu virus and what you can do to help prevent contracting or spreading it.

1. H1N1 is highly contagious, but many people falsely think that if they are young and in good shape that they are unlikely to contract H1N1. College campuses are often one of the hotspots for the virus. For example, one university of 21,000 students saw over 1,000 cases of H1N1 last year.

2. Everyone should wash their hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm or hot (but not scalding or painful) water, especially after going to the restroom or before eating.

3. Hands should also be routinely washed after coming into extended contact with items that many people have touched (money, sports equipment, cafeteria chairs and tables, hand railings, etc.) and areas of high human traffic: the cafeteria, the gym, school bus, and so on.

4. It is recommended to wash hands for approximately 20 seconds at least. This is roughly equivalent to the time it takes to sing the song “Happy Birthday to You”. This is a fun and easy way to remind children how long they need to wash for.

Teach your child to follow basic hygiene precautions when in school

5. Ensure that children always cover their coughs and sneezes and to wash their hands and arms afterward.

6. Used tissues should be thrown away immediately, not stuck into a pocket and carried around for the rest of the day.

7. Children should be reminded not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth because this is an easy way for germs and diseases to spread quickly.

8. Students who are sick should be kept home from school to avoid spreading it to other classmates and teachers. They should also stay away from obviously sick people to avoid catching it.

9. People who are at a higher risk of experiencing flu complications may wish to talk to their doctor or healthcare provider about staying home preemptively when there is an outbreak in the school or community.

© Kara Taylor

Kara Taylor is a mom of two and a freelance writer for a medical supplies company. When she’s not writing or running around after her two children, she loves to read spent time outside.

This article may be reproduced with the complete author bio and a live link back to http://www.lovingyourchild.com

Additional resources:

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Homeopathic/Herbal Cold, Cough, Flu Prevention And Cures – A step-by-step guide to using homeopathic and natural cures for all colds and flus. Written by Dr. with 32 Years Experience..Whether it’s the Swine Flu or Seasonal Flu, Colds or Cough, treat with natural, homeopathic and herbal remedies. Non-toxic, safe and effective for all, even children and in pregnancy.
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