This 3 minute video shares everything parents need to know about Swine Flu

If the condition isn’t getting better, watch out for these signsBluish or grey skin colourIs not drinking enough fluids or taking feeding wellHas trouble breathingHas severe or persistent vomitingIs not waking up or not interactingIs so irritable that the child does not want to be heldHas flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse coughWhat should parents do if their child has flu-like symptoms? Younger kids and kids with longstanding medical conditions are at risk of serious disease if they get either seasonal or pandemic H1N1 swine fluGeneral Precautions:Wash your hands regularly with soapTry to stay healthyGet plenty of sleepDo plenty of exerciseTry to manage your stressDrink plenty of liquidsEat a well balanced dietRefrain from touching surfaces which may have the virusDo not get close to people who are sickStay away from crowded areas if there is a swine flu outbreak in your area.

This is the latest scare that’s been going on. And it has created a bit of a worry in everyone’s mind. Yes, Swine Flu is back and everyone is doing their best to take precautions.

But do you know everything you should about Swine Flu or is it just what you’ve heard and read?

This 3 minute video is all you need to know about Swine Flu

What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu (swine influenza) is a disease of pigs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many Influenza A viruses. Â The current outbreak of swine flu that has infected humans is of the H1N1 type – this type is not as dangerous as some others.

How does a human catch it?

From contact with infected pigs
From contact with infected humans

In cases when humans have infected other humans close contact was necessary with the infected person, and they nearly always occurred in closed groups of people.

Signs & Symptoms in a child:

Children have sudden onset of significant fever with respiratory symptoms.
High fever
Chills.
Headache
Scratchy sore throat
Muscle aches.
Nasal congestion and cough.

If the condition isn’t getting better, watch out for these signs

Bluish or grey skin colour
Is not drinking enough fluids or taking feeding well
Has trouble breathing
Has severe or persistent vomiting
Is not waking up or not interacting
Is so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Has flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

What should parents do if their child has flu-like symptoms?

Consult your doctor immediately.
Contact If a child has mild illness, or something that looks like the flu, with fever and chills, headache, body ache, coughing, sore throat, they should definitely stay home from school
Â Parents should encourage hydration.
Make sure the child drinks enough fluids and gets a lot of rest.
Child is younger than 5 or if the child of any age has a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or a neurologic problem, call your doctor or get medical attention.
Younger kids and kids with longstanding medical conditions are at risk of serious disease if they get either seasonal or pandemic H1N1 swine flu

General Precautions: