Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine “ safety and effectiveness Groups at high risk for contracting H1N1 Preventing the spread of H1N1 Symptoms of H1N1 Guidelines for caring for a child with H1N1 How The Children ™s Hospital is preparing to respond to H1N1 Talking to your child about H1N1

As with seasonal flu, H1N1 is a viral respiratory infection. The main symptoms are a cough, sore throat, runny nose and fever. If you don ™t have a fever, you don ™t have H1N1. Usually the flu involves more muscle pain, headache, fever and chills than seen with the common cold. Parents who suspect their child may have influenza should call their pediatrician or primary care provider for advice.

All strains of flu, including swine flu, are spread by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. Practicing good hygiene is the best precaution to take to avoid the spread of influenza. Specific tips parents should share with children to avoid the spread of germs include:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing When you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after coughing or sneezing Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as this is how germs are spread If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and limit contact with others until they are gone

Additional information regarding the flu can be found on The Children ™s Hospital Web site at www.thechildrenshospital/flu. Information specific to H1N1 is available at www.thechildrenshospital/H1N1.

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