By now most of us know that the flu is going around namely H1N1. The South Dakota Department of Health is reporting widespread influenza activity in the state. 41% of the patients coming down with it have been kids 9 and younger.  Since most flu patients can be cared for at home thought it made sense to give parents some tips on how to do that without getting everyone in the house infected.  
  It's almost inevitable someone you work with, go to school with or live with is going to get the H1N1 flu this season. Health experts have repeatedly said if you have flu like symptoms (body aches, fever, you feel like you've been run over by a truck) to stay home. Since most of those being hit with swine flu this season are kids here's some tips from health department for the moms and dads staying home to take care of their sick babies.

 Here are the recommended tips:

--Have the patient rest in bed... the more rest the better.

--Give Tylenol or Advil to reduce fever, headache, muscle, joint and eye pain. Do not use aspirin in children or teenagers

--Prevent dehydration by making sure the patient drinks plenty of fluids like water, juices, lemonade and sports drinks.

--Care providers should wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before and after attending to the sick person. We can't say this enough; washing hands is the single best preventative measure for everyone in the house.

--Wash counters regularly using everyday cleaning products or a bleach solution.  1 part bleach to 9 parts water.

--And stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours.

If it's possible,  the health experts say try and keep the sick kids separated from the healthy ones and try and have just one person be the caregiver. If the symptoms become severe, meaning they are having trouble breathing, their skin starts turning bluish or grayish in color or they have severe or persistent vomiting, then you should get to the doctor immediately.   

Stay informed about H1N1 by visiting www.h1n1.sd.gov