Swine Flu and You: A Mother’s Perspective

Before I became a mother, viruses and other ailments came and went but rarely hit my radar.

Since the birth of my daughter things have changed. I’m more conscious of my own health and safety and have developed an unnerving knack for anticipating and preventing the most bizarre risks to her wellbeing.

The ongoing sensationalized news about human influenza A (H1N1 or swine flu) could tap into any mother’s deepest fears for her children. Although I share my life and my daughter with a logic-driven scientist who assures me the chances of our catching the virus are currently minute, in my weaker moments I worry a little.

I discovered this morning that it’s not just me. The highly educated, well-traveled and worldly friend I met for brunch with her baby today asked if we should offer the customary Swiss three-kiss greeting, or skip it because of swine flu.

I scoffed and kissed as usual.

But after using the toilet I washed my hands, then pulled my new antibacterial gel out of the diaper bag and wiped mine and my little one’s hands for extra protection. And again when we got into the car before heading home. And let’s be honest: I’ll do it when we’re at Baby Gym and anywhere else public this week, and have given the sitter strict instructions about using the gel with the little one any time she takes her out.

My friends and neighbours with small children are all equally conscious and concerned. 

So far, logic and calm are winning in our house. We remain vigilant in the usual ways (washing hands, covering noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing, etc) but won’t change our lives and become hermits until the virus goes away as some news reports seemed to suggest we should.

If you’re feeling nervous and wondering what you can do to keep yourself and your children safe, start by avoiding most of the news reporting about the swine flu. Instead, go straight to the source. Swine flu information ‘command central’ is at www.who.int. This is where the media go for information, and where any changes will be reported first. If you read what’s there, you’ll get the facts ma’am, nothing but the facts.

And between routine checks of the WHO’s influenza A site, follow the advice now being given in the UK: “Catch it, bin it, kill it!” Meaning: use tissues to cover nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, throw all tissues away as soon as possible after first use, and wash your hands as soon as possible. If everyone follows these basic hygiene rules, the virus will have a much tougher time spreading to a friend or loved one near you.

Anne Ferguson has been writing about health and related topics for nearly 15 years.  Most recently, she joined the ranks of accredited freelance writers for the World Health Organisation, where she is working on advocacy documents to help reduce national and global rates of maternal and newborn mortality.  Originally from Canada, Anne currently resides with her family in Geneva, Switzerland.