Flu Facts Every Parent Should Know
Educating yourself about the flu is an important way to help your child stay well. Please discuss these flu facts and any questions you may have with your doctor.
Vaccination Matters
One of the best ways to protect your child from the flu is getting her vaccinated – for both the seasonal flu and H1N1.
- Your child will need a separate vaccination for the seasonal flu and H1N1
- Vaccinate your child for the seasonal flu.
- Vaccinate your child against the H1N1 virus when that vaccine becomes available later this fall.
- Vaccinations have been tested and are safe for children. The seasonal flu vaccination can be given in several ways. Speak with your doctor about these options and the one best for your child.
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Talking Counts
Remember that your school-age child is likely hearing and learning about the flu at school. She also may be picking things up from your personal conversations and even from things on TV. Find out what your child may already know and ensure she has the correct information about:
- Washing her hands often and really well – long enough to sing “Happy Birthday”
- Covering her cough in her elbow
- Keeping germs from spreading by not touching her eyes, nose or mouth
Don’t forget to ask your child if she has questions about the flu, so that you’ll know about and can correct a myth or ease a potential fear.
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Caregiver Tips
- Set a good example for your child by showing her how to follow simple stay-well tips.
- Get to know the signs and symptoms of the seasonal and H1N1 flu. Check out the chart provided.
- >Help prevent the spread of the flu by keeping your sick child home from child care, school or other public places if she shows symptoms of the flu.
- Take your sick child out of your home only to get medical care
- Do your best to make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and drinks clear liquids (such as water,
electrolyte beverages for infants, sports drinks for older children) to help her stay rested and keep her from becoming dehydrated. - Separate your sick child from and limit contact withfamily members who are not sick, by setting up a sick room.
- Try to have just one family member care for a sick child to limit the spread of germs and the flu.
- Have a family member stay home with a sick child for at least 24 hours after her fever is gone and her temperature has returned to normal (without use of
medications). After this timeframe, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that she can return to child care, school or other public places.
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Signs & Symptoms
You know your child better than anyone. Stay in tune to how she is feeling and aware of any behavior that’s unusual for her. Many flu symptoms are similar, but knowing the differences between the seasonal flu and H1N1 can help you and your doctor in best caring for your child.
Seasonal Flu
All types of flu can cause:
- Fever
- Coughing and/or sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body ache
- Chills
- Fatigue
Similar to seasonal flu symptoms, but may be more severe. There may be additional symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
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Doctor Calls
It’s often hard to know when to pick up the phone and
call your doctor. Here’s a list of situations when you
should immediately call your doctor to seek his or her
advice. If your child shows signs of:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not urinating or no tears when crying
- Persistent vomiting
- Being so irritable that your child does
not want to be held - Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with a fever and worse cough
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VIDEO
VIDEO | Flu Facts Every Parent Needs to Know
Vital information for parents about the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. The Sutter Health network bases its flu recommendations on guidelines from the U.S. Centers fro Disease Control and Prevention.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
www.flu.gov – September 2009
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