KEY POINTS FOR ALL CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Information about the disease
H1N1 influenza 09 H1N1 Influenza 09 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. The virus is a type of influenza A virus (H1N1). This new virus has been found in people in many countries, including Australia. This virus was originally called "human swine influenza" because it is similar to the swine influenza virus that usually occurs in pigs. For more information about the disease please see our Human Swine Influenza Fact Sheet.
What we should do
This winter H1N1 Influenza 09 will continue spreading within the population, along with other influenza viruses seen each winter. The H1N1 influenza 09 virus produces a mild illness in most, a severe illness in some, and is a moderate illness overall. Because there is little immunity to this virus in the community, it is likely more people will become sick with influenza ('the flu') this winter, compared to usual winters. It is important to protect children and staff from infection. Continuing to take precautions this flu season to limit the spread of coughs and colds will assist in limiting the spread of both H1N1 influenza 09 and other cough and cold viruses.
What are the symptoms?
Both H1N1 influenza 09 and normal seasonal influenza can produce the symptoms of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, tiredness, and muscle aches, and some people have also complained of vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe cases of influenza can result in breathing difficulty and pneumonia. Symptoms generally appear between two to four days after exposure.
Controlling the Spread of Infection
As carers of young children, child care centres usually already have excellent infection control practices in place. When attempting to control the spread of influenza, the same steps that are normally taken should be followed.
If any child develops influenza-like symptoms, separate them from the other children and contact their parents immediately to pick them up from the service and to keep them home until they are well. The parents can call their GP for further advice.
Staff and children need to be encouraged to continue to take appropriate precautions: cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel, including after contact with soiled tissues, after blowing their nose or coughing, before eating, and after going to the toilet or changing a nappy. If staff or children are sick with an influenza-like illness, they should be advised to stay at home and limit contact with other people to avoid infecting them.
If a children's service notices a very high number of absences due to illness, particularly influenza-like-illnesses they should notify their local public health unit immediately.
Will children's services be closed?
Public health authorities are unlikely to close any Children's Service.
While ensuring that staff who are unwell stay at home, all Children's Services should monitor staff absenteeism and ensure that legally required supervision ratios are in place at all times.
Children's Services Specifically Catering for Children with Special Needs
Children with special needs (such as chronic illnesses or neurological disorders) may be at higher risk of developing complications from flu this winter. These children should be encouraged to seek early medical advice if they become unwell with flu symptoms this winter.
If the centre caters specifically for children with special needs and there is a high level of absenteeism due to children or staff acquiring 'flu this winter, contact your local public health unit for advice.
Reassuring Children
Young children often need reassurance when there is concern about an issue in the community. They may misunderstand what is happening and become anxious. It is important for staff and parents to listen closely to what children are asking or saying, and think about whether they are looking for factual information, or if the questions are expressing anxiety about H1N1 Influenza 09. They need to know that adults understand how they feel and are able to keep them safe.
Adults need to be conscious of the presence of children when discussing the illness. It is a good idea not to let children overhear adult conversations about worrying things when they are too young to be able to join in.
Related Links
- NSW Health H1N1 Influenza 09 website www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/index.asp
- Department of Health and Ageing - Health Emergency website www.healthemergency.gov.au
Published by NSW Health - 23 June 2009