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Health & Safety
Support Network

seasonal influenza (flu)
Information for Child Care Providers

Educators and staff can help slow the spread of colds and flu.

Each year in the United States an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of flu-related complications. Influenza causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease. The single best way to protect against seasonal flu and its potential severe complications is for children to get a seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months and older. Making healthy choices at school and at home can help prevent the flu and spreading flu to others.

Ask children to:

• Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze—have them throw the tissue away after they use it.
• Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

We will update this page as we receive information of interest to people who care for children in Minnesota. Page last updated: December 9, 2010

We hope the tools and resources below will be helpful as you work to address concerns in your community.

Flu Season Child Care Searches: Talking Points for Parents
(Hmong—Somali—Spanish)

Important Links:

Minnesota Dept of Health

MDH Childcare Influenza Information

Other Resources:

Flu: Facts for Parents (& Expecting) from flu.gov

Is it a Cold or the Flu? [PDF] flyer from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Preparing Child Care Programs for Pandemic Influenza from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

School Planning Information from flu.gov.

Seasonal Flu Information for Schools & Childcare Providers from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Survival Tips Posters Preventing the Flu (PDF;542KB) in English and Spanish (Prevención de la Gripe)