This spring, seasonal flu and Pandemic 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu will be circulating at the same time. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to the flu and can experience severe illness. In addition, some children and adults have a particularly high risk of serious complications from the flu. It is important that we take measures to protect the children and staff in child care centers and family child care homes.

Fortunately there are a number of good resources available to help you plan for the flu and limit the spread of infection in your child care program. We encourage you to visit the following websites for practical, up-to-date information:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has general information on the H1N1 virus as well as action steps for child care providers to keep children and staff from getting sick. This website is updated frequently so check it regularly.
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/childcare/
• The California Childcare Health Program has a flu toolkit for child care professionals and other resources. You may also call the Childcare Healthline at 800-333-3212 with specific questions related to the flu.
  http://www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org
• The Alameda County Public Health Department has information about current seasonal flu and H1N1 conditions in Alameda County.
  http://www.acphd.org
• Flu.gov has facts for parents and expecting parents including information about vaccinations, breastfeeding, when to keep their children home and how to talk with children about the flu.
  http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/parents/index.html