Children and Influenza | The Ismaili Canada

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Children and Influenza

December 10, 2020 | Canada

The flu season has arrived as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread. It is anticipated that there is likely to be a large increase in the spread of influenza, in addition to COVID-19, this winter.

As children go back to schools and other activities, the potential for spreading the virus will increase. Protect your children and yourself by adhering to the following recommendations:

  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers should monitor the health of the children daily or more often for flu-like illness.
  • Keep ill children away from schools, childcare facilities, Jamatkhana, and other extra-curricular or recreational activities.
  • Limit unnecessary contact with others.
  • Call your family physician or the local Health Department information line for advice regarding the flu-like symptoms.
  • If children’s symptoms worsen (for example, shortness of breath, high fever for more than 3-4 days), contact your family physician or visit the nearest healthcare centre.

Whether your children have flu symptoms or not, teach them to:

  • Cover their cough or sneeze. Use the elbow/sleeve or use a tissue to cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue right away and wash hands.
  • Wash your and your child’s hands frequently using plain soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective in the absence of proper handwashing facilities.
  • Reduce the spread of germs by limiting children from touching their eyes, nose or mouth and by washing their hands frequently.
  • Maintain your health and your children’s health by taking care of yourselves including eating a healthy balanced diet, avoiding cigarette smoke and other harmful substances, being active, and getting enough sleep.

Details on flu prevention and pandemic preparedness are available on the Public Health Agency of Canada website or from your Local Health Authority.

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