Link: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/

As we begin the new school year, the Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu,) has families and school officials concerned. The H1N1 strain appears to be a combination of human, pig and bird flu. The H1N1 virus is also known as Swine Flu and is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Another way to pick up the virus occurs when a person touches a surface which has the swine flu germs on it and then the person touches their mouth, nose or eyes. To date, the Swine Flu cases in the USA have been less severe than in Mexico.

Follow up:

The best way to protect yourself and your family from contracting this virus is to practice good hygiene. Be sure you teach your children including hands-on practice with hand washing. Things that you can do include: Wash your hands often with soap and water scrubbing for 15-20 seconds. Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose and eyes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue (throw the tissue into the trash after using it) or into your sleeve, if you sneeze or cough into your hands wash them immediately. Try to avoid others who are sick. If you or your children are sick, stay home from work, school and childcare centers.

Swine Flu symptoms include fever greater than 100 degrees, chills, body ache, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. Call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of the Swine Flu. Antiviral medications may help shorten the illness and make the symptoms milder. As this disease is a virus, antibiotics are not prescribed as they are ineffective against a virus.
As always, never give a child under the age of 18 aspirin to treat symptoms of illness as there is a risk of the child developing Reye Syndrome.

Should the flu season hit hard and schools close or you find your child is missing a lot of school time, you may want to consider tutoring to keep your child from falling behind.