Swine Flu, school, our childrenwhen these words start swirling around in our head, it can be frightening. However, someone once said, "knowledge is power," so lets explore what we need to know about this "monster in the dark."
What Is Swine Flu?
The virus is actually a combination of swine, avian, and human flus.
"The CDC is diagnosing cases of influenza type A, which is the most common genus of the influenza virus. The H1N1 designation describes proteins on the surface of the virus. "H1" indicates that this virus has a hemagglutinin protein - which allows the virus to attach to human cells - of type one. "N1" indicates that the virus has a neuraminidase protein - which allows newly synthesized viruses to detach from the cells and spread - of type one." (From http://tech.mit.edu/V129/N22/swineflu/facts.html )
The symptoms of Swine Flu (H1N1) are: F ever, coughing, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, "Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person. (Los Angeles Chronicle, 5/2/09)
" Health officials also are preparing to educate the public about flu vaccines. It's possible that children and adults will be encouraged to be vaccinated for both swine flu and seasonal flu this fall. Currently, the swine flu vaccine is in the testing stages, but government officials said Thursday that the United States expects to have 160 million doses of swine flu vaccine available sometime in October." By Elisabeth Arriero - Jul. 27, 2009 08:09 AM The Arizona Republic
As parents, teachers and mentors for children, it is important that we take the fear out of children's minds concerning Swine Flu by talking to them.
"Parents should initiate a conversation about the flu with their children. Many times, children may be too afraid to say something and left to their own devices, they can put a story together that's far more frightening than reality, Teenagers often display false bravado, he says, but parents should address basic facts and concerns with them, too.
First, ask what they know and what they're concerned about. For preschoolers and elementary school children, keep explanations very simple. "You might say 'some people have gotten sick with a flu you get from contact with someone who has it. Mom and Dad are going to make sure you're safe. We'll take care of you.' " (From USA Today, Harold Koplewicz, a child psychiatrist and director of the New York University Child Study Center.)
You may want to keep this information handy and be armed with knowledge, as well as passing it on to others.
Francine Larson:
Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.
She is currently writing for The Pasco Shopper (Fl.) and The Highlands at Scotland Yards. Also writes poetry and short stories.She has a new personal web site:http://thedragonflylady.com/
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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