Helping Children Cope with the H1N1 Flu Virus

The H1N1 flu virus can be hard for children to understand and it can be upsetting for them, especially if someone in their school or family is sick or they see troubling images on television. It is normal for kids to feel worried or nervous and have questions about why this is happening.

It is important to pay attention to your children’s feelings and reactions during this time. How you handle the situation will strongly affect how your children will handle it. You will need to reassure them that they are safe and teach them about how they can stay healthy.

It is important to know that our research indicates that only 35% of Canadians will become ill with the H1N1 flu. The overwhelming majority of people who do become ill recover fairly quickly.

Expressing Worry or Fears

Children will express themselves through self-talk, play, songs, drawings and conversations. Take the time to listen to and observe your child.

Forms of expression can include:
Older children (between seven and 12 years of age) may also return to earlier behaviours such as thumb sucking.
Being excessively afraid of catching the H1N1 flu virus Being afraid of being isolated or separated from family members Crying or whining or irritability Unusual bedwetting	Either clinging to caregivers or isolating themselves Eating problems or stomach aches Sleeping problems, nightmares Being more stubborn or more agitated

These reactions are the normal way for children to express themselves when they are upset.

How You Can Help

• Reassure and comfort your children. Children need reassurance about their personal safety and health. Children need physical closeness and comforting to feel safe and secure. Telling children that it is okay to be concerned is comforting. Do not say “It’s silly to be scared.” Reassure them that they are safe and that there are many things they can do to stay healthy.
• Listen to your children and let them ask questions. Children do not need detailed information about events but they do need to talk about their feelings in order to make sense of the situation. Let them know that they can ask questions. Answer questions honestly but make sure that the information is suitable for their age level. Also remember that they are listening when you talk to others about the H1N1 flu virus. If you don’t know the answers to their questions it’s okay to say so and together look for resources that can answer their questions. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s fightflu.ca Web site has a lot of information about the H1N1 flu virus and the H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Spend more family time together and maintain familiar routines. Family times and familiar routines such as family meals and regular bedtimes can reinforce a child’s sense of security.
• Limit media exposure and try to explain the events as well as you can. Exposure to too much media coverage can give children an exaggerated view of the risks associated with the H1N1 flu. You need to help them put the information into perspective. Keep children informed about what is happening and what may happen at a level that is suitable for their age.

Teach your children the symptoms of the H1N1 flu and how it spreads.

Focus On What They Can Do To Stay Healthy

Parents, family members and adults are role models. Let children and other family members know what they can do to stay healthy and practice those behaviours yourself.

• Hand Washing: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough/Sneeze Etiquette: Cough and sneeze into your arm or into a tissue.
• Get the Vaccine: Children six months of age or older should get the H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Stay Home When Sick: Stay home from school if sick. Do not return until symptom-free.
• Keep Clean: Keep hands away from faces and keep common surfaces and items clean.
• Stay Healthy: Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active, getting enough sleep and feeling happy and loved.

If Your Child Gets the H1N1 Flu

If your child gets the H1N1 flu they will need additional support and reassurance. In addition to the information above, you’ll need to explain:

• The importance of not spreading the flu to brothers, sisters and friends by getting very close to them. This might be hard for children to understand. Explain to them that this is not their fault; getting sick is something that does happen.
• The length of the illness. The average H1N1 flu lasts five to seven days.
• The importance of getting a lot of rest, drinking a lot of fluids and eating well.
• The importance of letting a parent or caregiver know if they are feeling worse or feeling better.

For more information about coping with stressful situations, visit the Canadian Psychological Association’s online resource centre, check with your municipal/local public health unit or provincial/territorial government or talk to your health care provider.