Many families are worried about their health this upcoming flu season because of H1N1 influenza.  Even though H1N1 has not been proven to be more dangerous than the ordinary flu, it is important to be cautious and knowledgeable about the subject.  Precautions like sneezing into a tissue, shoulder or sleeve instead of your hands, should be taken. 

It is also important to wash hands with warm water and soap and avoid contact with your mouth, eyes and nose. 

For children’s health it is important to get the H1N1 flu vaccine along with the seasonal flu vaccine.  Doctors recommend pregnant women, people who have children younger than 6 months of age, people between the ages of 6 to 24, people with chronic health conditions and health care personnel to get the vaccination as well.

Symptoms of H1N1 include: fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, headache, chills, fatigue, and/or vomiting.  The H1N1 flu has been known to last between 7 to 14 days.  It is important to stay at home and to keep children at home if any flu like symptoms develops. 

Children without chronic health conditions can usually recuperate from the disease without medical attention.  The contagious period lasts from the day before symptoms are seen until 5 to 7 days after flu like symptoms begin. When treating the flu, one should drink plenty of liquids to remain hydrated, stay in bed and get plenty of rest, take ibuprofen and talk to his/her doctor.