H1N1 Flu Prevention in Child Care Centers
As a mom, I’m worried about the H1N1 flu virus. That’s my job to worry right? New information is constantly coming out on the H1N1 flu virus, and if you have children it is especially concerning considering that cold and flu germs can spread quickly in schools, colleges and universities, and child care centers. It makes sense when you think of how close children get in a small space.
The steps to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus are the same as for the seasonal flu. You’ve heard it before…wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, get the vaccine as soon as you can, and practice good hygiene. For kids, a few of those are difficult to do. They love to get their little hands dirty and play right next to each other, runny nose and all. That’s how kids are right? But there are things that you can do as a parent, and your child care provider can do to help prevent the spread of the flu.
I want to arm you with some information on prevention of the H1N1 flu virus and seasonal flu in child care centers. These links will help you know what your child care provider should be doing during the flu season to prevent the virus, and some are recommendations for all year long. These are action steps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health.
Happy Sterilizing!
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/childcare/?s_cid=cs_001
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ASSETS/4390598EA87F48F8A7FC208897963AE8/Child%20Care%20H1N1%20Closure%207%2024%2009.pdf
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/landing/phs_emergency/swineflu.aspx
