How to manage H1N1 flu at day care?

I'm a parent of an 18-month old who just started daycare and I'm quite concerned. One strategy that I haven't seen mentioned that might be useful would be to pull your kids out of school (and yourself out of work) during the prodrome phase of a viral illness (viral infections, whether run-of-the-mill or influenza, tend to be preceeded by 24 hours or so of generally not feeling well without specific symptoms, called a prodrome). Most of us wait to socially isolate ourselves or our children until we have full-blown symptoms, but we're probably contagious during the prodrome phase (and possibly even slightly before). To alter our behavior in the era of H1N1 and socially isolate ourselves and our children (if we're able to tell they're prodromal) might cut down on our infectivity of others and conceivably diminish the spread of H1N1. Of course, you might be isolating yourself for a run-of-the-mill virus, but let's remember seasonal flu does kill people (though a small percentage).

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I am a nurse in one of the schools in the metro Atlanta area school system. Everyday parents are sending their children to school sick. On top of this the children are given fever reducer medication to temporary break the fever. But it only works for a few hours. Then the fever goes back up. Parents have been told to keep the children at home at least 24 hours after the fever breaks without medication. Please get the word out about how important it is to stay at home with a high fever. There are at least 25 to 40 children coming into the clinic everyday sick. and the school year has just begun.

i want employers to be more understanding if a worker/parent has a child sick. The employers should make sure that their employees don't feel their job is in jeopardy if that have to stay home with a sick child. I work in a school system and parents send their children to school sick because they are afraid to miss work. This is serious stuff we are dealing with(H1N1) and it is not fair to my child who may be well and sits beside a student who is at school sick because mom or dad can't miss work because they are at risk of losing their job. This is a time that everyone needs to be understanding of the situations that are going to be dealt during this flu season. And parents need to keep their children at home if they think their child is sick many times kids will say I am o.k. because they don't want to miss out on something at school but think about how you want your child treated if they are well and going to school you don't want them to be ecposed if they don't have to be.

My concern is that I am getting VERY mixed messages from the media...on one hand, I hear this virus is causing very mild illness and most people will only have passing symptoms...on the other hand, i just read an article which said that if you are in a risk group, you should RUSH to the ER right away...I understand this virus is a concern for everyone but some of these articles are stirring up premature panic...if people would only use common sense (ex: washing hands, sneezing/coughing into your elbow, stay at home when not feeling well) we could drastically curb the spread of this virus....there is no need to cause panic, just use your head and hopefully you won't get sick!

To Tiffany:

Unfortunately,the term 'mild' for this 2009 H1N1 [swine] flu virus has a broad definition. I hope the good doctor chimes in on this.

For the most part, this virus IS mild. Unfortunately, there are cases that are very serious and intense medical care has been needed. Underlying health conditions for some has caused serious complications and for some death. The CDC has listed 'Emergency Warning Signs to watch for: (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm )

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish or gray skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
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Pregnant women are also in the high risk category and should take care as the virus circulates through their area. Yes, common sense should help you get through this 2nd pandemic flu wave, but it's not a guarantee and you should not count on 'hopefully'.

I agree with Stephanie. Two of my children got the H1N1 flu and they go to different schools. I always keep my children home when they are sick. I spoke to school nurses at both of their school and was told parents are still sending their children to school sick. My husband said that with the economy being so rough that many parents don't want to take a day off to care for their child. Instead they would rather take a chance sending them to school. As parents we have a responsibility. I'll be keeping my children home for a minimum of two weeks until they recover and taking them back to the pediatrician before they return to school.

i agree with Heather, i was offer to change my shift from 7am to 3pm to 3pm -11pm and i told them i know money is tight but my daughter comes first. the money will always be there but, if my daughter gets worst and i'm not there i will regret and won't live in peace. and i also agree with stephaine i will stay with my daughter until she is clear and she sees her pediatrician.Before they return to school.