Swine flu has many parents concerned about what they can do to protect their infants and keep toddlers safe from the virus. While the symptoms of the swine flu are generally not any more severe than a typical flu virus, the H1N1 virus is easily spread and more cases are being reported every day. Prevention is always the best medicine. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to lower your toddler’s chance of becoming infected with the swine flu.
Encourage Good Hand Washing Habits
Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent kids from getting sick with the swine flu or any other illness. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds, or about as long as it takes to get through the alphabet song. Liquid soap is easier for kids to lather up in their hands and prevents the spread of germs better than bar soap does. Keep a child sized step-stool near the kitchen or bathroom sink so toddlers have the ability to wash their hands by themselves.
Keeping Toddler Hands Clean in Public
Public places are the most likely places that infants and toddlers can be exposed to the swine flu. Limit contact with anyone who appears to be sick and be sure and wash your toddler’s hands frequently. Hand sanitizer can be used to prevent the spread of germs while out in public, but it is important to make sure that infants and toddlers do not put their hands in their mouths after using hand sanitizer because many of those products contain ingredients that are toxic if ingested.
Germs can also be spread when toddlers touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Toddlers can be distracted from touching dirty surfaces in public or touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth by letting them hold a small toy from home. Washing an infant or toddler’s hands immediately after returning home from a public place is a good habit to get into and will limit the germs brought into the home from public places.
Keeping Infants and Toddlers Safe from the Swine Flu at Daycare
It is not necessary to keep infants or toddlers out of daycare unless there has been a recommendation to do so in your local area. Communication is important between parents and daycare providers. Asking about the illness policy at the daycare will help parents to understand their responsibilities and let daycare providers know that it is important to them. Parents can ask their daycare provider if they need help sanitizing toys and offer to take a bucket of toys home to sanitize to help daycare providers limit the spread of disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children infected with the Swine flu stay home for 10 days from the start of the illness. Do not be afraid to speak up if you see children showing signs of illness attending daycare.
Sanitize Toys at Home
Infants and toddlers often put things in their mouths. Sanitizing toys in the home on a regular basis can help limit the risk of exposure to the swine flu from contaminated toys. Use a sanitizing solution of water and bleach at least once a week and allow toys to air dry. Soft toys can be washed in the washing machine. Toys that are not easily sanitized should be kept away from infants and toddlers, especially if there is an outbreak of swine flu in your area.
Know When to Stay Home
While most symptoms of illness are likely not a result of the swine flu, it is a good idea to stay home if you or your toddler show any signs of illness. Staying home when you are sick will help protect other children from possible infection and will give parents and toddlers the time at home to recover.
While swine flu has been given pandemic status, it is important not to panic. Life can go on as it normally would unless there is a heavy outbreak of swine flu in your area and local health authorities recommend taking precautions. Practicing good hygiene habits and taking basic precautions can help keep infants and toddlers safe from the swine flu.
