What parents/guardians can do to plan and prepare:
Practice and reinforce good prevention habits with your family:
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
Keep your child at home if sick with any illness
- If your child is sick, keep them at home and contact your healthcare provider
- Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and activities they can do from home to keep up with their school work
Be prepared if school is temporarily dismissed
- Talk with your employer about sick leave or options in case you need to stay home with your child
- Consider planning alternate childcare arrangements