No matter how much you try to guard against swine flu and other infections, the fact is that contagious illnesses such as swine flu can be hard to avoid completely, especially when your kids attend school and you go to work.
That’s why the smartest way to prepare for flu season, aside from getting the seasonal flu vaccine and the swine flu vaccine, may be to just assume that you or someone in your family may contract swine flu or another flu virus or contagious illness. Going with that assumption, work out worst-case scenarios and then line up the support and supplies you’ll need to help you cope in the event you or partner or children contract swine flu or another illness. Here are some smart ways you can get ready in case swine flu strikes in your family:
Swine Flu Action Plan: Line Up Childcare
Have a backup plan in case your child gets sick or if your child’s school is close due to swine flu. Who will watch your child? Will you be able to take time off from work or telecommute? Figure out the logistics so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Swine Flu Action Plan: Go Grocery Shopping
Stock up on non-perishable foods so that you can avoid inconvenient trips to the store when you’re caring for a sick child.
Swine Flu Action Plan: Prepare Family Entertainment
Make sure you have some kid-favorite books,
family-friendly DVDs and games on hand in case your child or the entire family has to stay home.
Network with other parents now so that you can help each other with childcare and other needs in case school closes.
Swine Flu Action Plan: Prepare for Home Learning
Talk to your child’s teacher about plans he or she may have to get lesson plans or homework assignments to kids who are out sick with swine flu or other infections.
Swine Flu Action Plan: Have Your Doctor's Number at Hand
Put your pediatrician’s phone number in your cell phone and post it in a common place such as on the refrigerator so that anyone who is watching your child has access to it.
Swine Flu Action Plan: Discuss a Treatment Plan
If your child has a chronic medical condition that could put him at greater risk in case he gets swine flu, make sure you talk to your child’s pediatrician about a treatment plan to be followed in case swine flu strikes.
