NEW ORLEANS - Now that school is back in session and flu season is nearly upon us, many parents and healthcare providers are concerned over the spread of the H1N1 virus. Until a vaccine is ready, Ochsner physicians offer simple but highly effective tips to reduce the spread of infection and keep children healthy and in the classroom.
"The best protection parents and teachers can give children against H1N1 is encouraging thorough hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer. Parents should also keep a sharp eye out for signs and symptoms, and if your child has a fever with H1N1 symptoms, absolutely keep them home from school and away from other children," recommends Dr. Russell Steele, Ochsner Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist. A child's fever must be gone for at least 24 hours, without using medication, before the child returns to school.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages educating children on the following activities:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (long enough for children to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice). Set a good example by doing this yourself.
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before eating anything.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue, NOT in your hand. Children often forget to wash their hands after covering their mouth.
"In addition to the CDC's tips, encourage healthy behaviors like healthy eating habits, early bedtimes, and outside play; these will help your child's immune system stay strong and keep them focused on school work and daily activities instead of H1N1 fears," adds Steele.
According to the CDC, the seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against novel H1N1 influenza. A novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall, but it's not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine - only to be used along-side the seasonal flu vaccine. All children, 6 months to 18 years, are encouraged to get annual flu vaccines.
"When the H1N1 vaccine is released in the fall, Ochsner physicians recommend that pregnant women, young children, healthcare employees, and other vulnerable age groups be the first to receive the vaccine," said Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, Ochsner Infectious Disease Specialist. "We're already getting calls about the novel H1N1 vaccine and will keep the community updated when the vaccines are available," she adds.
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