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Talk to your children about H1N1There is a lot of talk among people and in the news about the H1N1 flu and seasonal flu. With all the uproar many children and parents may be anxious. Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension parenting assistant specialist, said children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem worried, children may panic. "Children need to be reassured that health and school workers are making sure people are staying healthy throughout the country," Richardson said. "Parents should give their children factual, age appropriate information about the risk of getting the disease and also how to avoid infection and prevent spread of the virus. By teaching them positive preventive measures and talking to children about their fears, they will have some sense of control over their risk of infection and help reduce anxiety." Richardson said it is important to keep activities as consistent as possible even if your normal routine changes due to daycare or school closures. It is also important to allow your children to express their feelings and concerns and let them know it is okay to be afraid or mad. "Children always need to feel safe and loved. When they are afraid and not sure about a situation they may need more affection and attention," she said. "Also, limit exposure to media and adult conversations about H1N1 and be available to answer any questions about what they may have heard." According to www.flu.gov, flu symptoms may include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. In H1N1 flu infection, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. Richardson said it is important to know the symptoms of the flu and also how it is spread. "The virus is transmitted through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the virus," she said. "It can also be spread by touching something with flu viruses on it then touching the mouth and nose. The virus is not spread by eating pork or other foods." Focus on what a child can do to avoid getting the flu and H1N1 flu infection. Richardson suggests washing hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, cough and sneeze into a tissue, stay at least six feet away from sick individuals, stay home from school if sick and stay away from people until they are feeling better.
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