Swine Flu And Children
How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Winter
Swine Flu And Children
Whether or not you have you kids vaccinated for the swine flu, if and when the vaccine is available, is up to you. It is, however, a good idea to learn about the swine flu, and especially, about the swine flu and children.
Eating A Peach
The most important thing for parents to understand is the importance of good health, for you as parents and for your children. Maybe it's time to make some changes in the way we raise our children. Are you feeding them the way you should? Do you give them vitamins and plenty of exercise?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is recommending that at risk groups should get both the regular flu shot and the two series H1N1 virus flu shots, a total of three shots. And even this will not guarantee that you and your children will not get the swine flu, or any other flu for that matter.
The CDC is going to have its hands full this flu season. I emphasize that it is not their responsibility to keep you healthy. It is yours. If you get sick, you simply become a statistic. They are not going to be held accountable.
My most important recommendations besides getting and staying in tip top
health are
- Be sure and cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or handkerchief and dispose of the tissue and wash the handkerchief after you use them.
- Frequently and especially after coughing or sneezing, touching door knobs, faucets in common areas or shared devices such as keyboards and mice, wash your hands with soap and water, and really wash them. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also recommended but washing your hands with soap and water is the best
- Try to think to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, three orifices that allow germs to enter the body and spread
- If you believe you have the flu or H1N1 flu, by all means stay at home and avoid contact with family, friends and business associates. Once infected you become a carrier and can spread the disease.
Swine Flu is a type of influenza caused by the H1N1 virus. H1N1 virus is just another type of flu virus the only difference being that the H1N1 virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so that humans don't have any immunity to it. Without being to technical it goes something like that.
The symptoms of swine flu begin 1-4 days after being exposed by a
contagious person. Sudden chills and fever are generally the first
symptoms of swine flu. Temperatures usually remain between 100F and
104F for many days. Other signs and symptoms of the swine flu can
include:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Dry cough, runny nose or stuffy nose, scratchy throat and head congestion
- Chills
- Body aches (myalgia)
- Headache
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
Emergency Warning Symptoms of Swine Flu in Children:
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing
- Gray or bluish skin color
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Fever with a rash
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Not drinking enough fluids or liquid
- Irritability
Currently, the drug of choice to treat the swine flu in children, is Tamiflu. Tamiflu is a drug that may cause side effects to patients suffering with swine flu. The side effects caused are vomiting, rash, nausea, lack of sleep and abdominal pain. The patients are advised to take this medication with food so that the intensity of causing side effects is lower. So, in case you were not warned, you may feel worse just after taking Tamiflu. Besides taking anti-viral medication, it is best to avoid contacts and to wear a mask. It is wise to maintain good personal hygiene as it protects from spreading harmful germs.
Girl Playing Outdoors
So, to protect your family from getting the swine flu, or to
assure a mild case if they do, think about making a few changes in
your lifestyle.
- Drink Lots of Water
- Take vitamins
- Eat healthy meals
- Get plenty of rest
- Get plenty of exercise and fresh air
The links below should help you stay on top of all the latest information regarding the swine flu and children.
Pages related to Swine Flu And Children
Swine Flu Vaccine :
Swine Flu Facts :
Swine Flu News
Flu Shots :
Unfit Youth :
Kids Eating Healthy
Help Your Child Stay Fit :
Overweight Children :
Healthy Children
