With Swine flu on the rise and evolving daily, parents across the United States and beyond are not only looking after their own health but also after the health of their children. I’ll help sort the good information from the bad so you can take the necessary steps and precautions to help keep your family safe and not get confused by all of the media coverage of this potential pandemic.
Know The Facts :
Knowing the facts is the first way to cut through the noise to get a handle of what’s going on around you. The media has a way over over dramatizing events, and the recent swine flu outbreak is no exception. Here are a few constantly updated sites that will provide you with a wealth of real information so you can be one step ahead of the game.
- The Center for Disease Control Swine Flu website
- PandemicFlu.org
- The Center for Disease Control Flu Information for Parents
- World Health Organization Disease Outbreak News
Know The Symptoms :
Swine flu is hard to detect because it presents itself very similar to the regular, seasonal flu that we’re used to. Some of the symptoms include fever, tiredness, and lack of appetite; runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have also been reported with the swine flu. If you or someone in your family experiences any of these symptoms, it’s better to be safe than sorry and head to your doctor’s office.
Mom Knows Best :
Our moms knew a lot more about staying healthy than we may realize, and if we follow some simple tips, you can help prevent getting sick. Reinforcing these good habits with your children may be the best way to help them stay healthy during the flu season.
- Wash your hands before meals and after visiting the restroom
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough
- Don’t go to work sick and avoid contact with people who are sick
- Eat your vegetables and drink plenty of water
- Avoid others who are or may be sick
- Get plenty of rest
Track Swine Flu with Google Maps :
The following Google Map shows the confirmed and potential cases of the swine flu outbreak. This is a great tool to visually keep track of the flu and see if there are any infections in your area or any other travel destinations.
View 2009 H1N1 Flu Outbreak Map in a larger map
Legend (colors may vary by monitor):
- Black = Confirmed Death(s)
- Gray = Unconfirmed Death(s)
- Red = Confirmed Infection(s)
- Pink = Unconfirmed Infection(s)
- Blue = Flu like illness
Any Tips From Our Readers?
I know many fathers, especially those with young children, are worried and are trying to help their families safe. If you have some tips or any everyday advice that you would like to share, leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you. 
Image by: Anders Ahlund, SXC
Tyler Wainright is the author of the manly blog BuildingCamelot.com. Tyler lives with his wife and two daughters in Memphis, TN.