Parents and Caregivers

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12/22 CDC Podcast: Flu and Children with High-Risk Medical Conditions:



For transcript CLICK HERE

 

Human cases of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) have been identified in the United States and internationally.  The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is working closely with state and federal health officials to increase surveillance and will continue to monitor the situation closely. For more information, please read Flu Fact Sheet for Parents and Caregivers.

 

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to regular seasonal flu and include sudden fever, cough, muscle aches, headaches, chills and general weakness.  In most cases, symptoms start suddenly and are much more severe than the common cold.  If your child has a fever of 100 °F or more and a cough or sore throat, he/she should not go to school.  For a complete checklist of when to keep your child home from school, please read:

Symptoms Checklist for Families and Schools

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Prevent Flu

• Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze -- have them throw the tissue away after they use it.  If they do not have a tissue, remind them to sneeze into their upper sleeve. 
• Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze.  If water is not near by, they can use an alcohol-based hand cleaner with adult supervision if needed.  Be sure to teach children to scrub their hands together with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Remind them to not touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.