How to Protect Your Child from Swine Flu

Children are Most Susceptible to H1N1 Infection

Sep 4, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

The swine flu is most deadly for children and the elderly. Learn how to protect them from infection.

The swine flu is reported to have infected over one million people. Half the reported cases are said to be in the United States. Just like older strains of influenza, the H1N1 flu virus is more dangerous for children, the elderly, and people who are immuno-compromised. These people are not only more susceptible for infection, but the symptoms that follow swine flu infection can lead to serious complications and even death.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu was first reported in April of 2009. It is a variant that was reported to lie dormant in farm animals for years. Like other forms of influenza such as bird flu, the virus infected a farm worker and it spread to other humans. Swine flu is spread through respiratory droplets from people who come into contact with others.

How to Protect Children from Swine Flu

Children, the elderly, and those who have compromised immune systems like patients with HIV infections are more susceptible to serious symptoms from a swine flu infection. The CDC has also developed a swine flu vaccine for people who have a high risk factor for infection. The most susceptible to swine flu are infants, so parents are urged to take the necessary precautions for their newborns. Basic hygiene is the first step for protecting children. Washing hands regularly helps destroy the virus. Parents are also urged to use alcohol rubs on surfaces and areas of the skin before feeding the baby. Alcohol breaks down the viral proteins, destroying the virulence of the microbe.

Feeding Infants when the Mother is Infected with Swine Flu

One of the best sources for immunity and antibodies in an infant is through the mother’s breast milk. If a mother becomes infected with the H1N1 virus, the first reaction is to avoid feeding the infant. In fact, the mother produces antibodies against the swine flu, and these antibodies are passively passed to the baby. This provides protection against influenza and other microbes that cause disease. Passive immunity from viruses is one of the most beneficial effects of breast feeding. Mothers who are infected or sick from the influenza virus benefit the infant by continuing breast feeding even if the milk is extracted and fed through a bottle. Additionally, the mother who is taking medication to stop swine flu symptoms or to protect her from infection should still continue to feed the baby.

For continued coverage of the latest swine flu developments, it’s important to ask a local physician or check the CDC’s website for information. Protect children using proper hygiene like washing hands and covering the mouth when coughing. These procedures will protect parents and children from the swine flu infection.

References:

CDC Information for Parents

The copyright of the article How to Protect Your Child from Swine Flu in General Medicine is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish How to Protect Your Child from Swine Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Swine Flu Virus