While H1NI flu has swept across the U.S. into every state and around the world into at least 75 other countries, precautions can be taken among young children and babies to reduce their risk of contracting the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) by mid-June had declared a pandemic, reporting more than 35,000 cases and 160 deaths worldwide and more than 17,000 cases and 45 deaths in the U.S. Initially misnamed "swine flu," H1N1 is a strain of Type A influenza that is usually spread from human to human. This new outbreak is transmitted by coughing, sneezing or touch. With most influenza, the most susceptible are the very young (especially children under 5) and the very old, but the H1N1 outbreak is striking people of all ages.

President Barack Obama urged vigilance and said that the key is to be prepared to address any outcome.

For parents, Dr Olson Huff of Sixty Second Parent offers four simple tips to help prevention, especially among young children and babies. "By adhering to sensible precautions and following medical advice," Dr. Huff says, "it's likely your child will avoid this outbreak or not be severely affected by it."

Here are Dr. Huff's recommendations:

1. Keep the family away from people who have flu symptoms.

2. Teach children not to cough or sneeze into hands. Cover sneezes and coughs with sleeve, elbow or preferably tissues. Discard tissues immediately after use. If a child is sick, have the tissues nearby, along with a trash bag.

3. Keep children home from school and daycare.

4. Careful and frequent hand washing.  Teach children to wash with soap and water for 20 seconds. Keep antibacterial wipes or gel on hand for times when soap and water won't be available.

Dr Huff suggests songs and games as a practical way to encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly and to make hand-washing fun. "Songs that last around 20 seconds [provide] optimal hand-washing time, such as 'Happy Birthday to You,' 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and 'If You're Happy and You Know It Wash Your Hands,' " she said, adding, "encourage toddlers play games like Round and Round the Garden using soap."

A person may spread this virus to others as long as symptoms are present. The severity of the illness varies from very mild to to severe and fatal. Symptoms are what one ordinarily would expect with flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, aching, headache, chills and possibly a rash.

Dr Huff said that treatment is available, although the vaccine to prevent this strain of virus hasn't yet been developed; it is to be made available as soon as possible. "Medications called antiviral drugs are available and can be quite effective. They are available by prescription only, so at the first sign of any of the symptoms mentioned, medical help should be sought."

Dr Huff recommends that parents encourage a sick child to rest, give fluids and keep the tissues handy. To treat pain and fever, use medications recommended by a doctor. Don't give children aspirin, she says.

"Remember, use sensible precautions: wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, try to avoid sick persons, and don't alarm children or others by being too fearful."
 
For more information on the H1Ni virus, tips for caring for a sick child and other parenting suggestions, visit http://www.sixtysecondparent.com.