| Children are remarkably more insightful than most | | | | and how it differs for humans. Tell them it is a type of |
| people give them credit for. When it comes to talking | | | | influenza, which medical professionals have been |
| to your child about most subjects of importance, it is | | | | dealing with for centuries. The bird flu is highly |
| key to remember that they pick up on subtleties that | | | | contagious in birds but very difficult for humans to |
| could cloud the truth. Therefore it is important to speak | | | | contract it. It is also important to share that officials |
| truthfully but not to instill fear. In regard to the avian bird | | | | have been and continue to work hard to eliminate the |
| flu, the same rules apply. There is a global fear and | | | | avian bird flu, before it becomes a problem in humans. |
| unknowing of the bird flu and children are beginning to | | | | It's the unknowing that generally causes panic and if |
| notice. They are starting to ask questions about the | | | | the facts are presented well it will stop any |
| potential hazards and danger to humans. Keeping it | | | | apprehension thy may already have. There is no need |
| simple and sensitive will eliminate unnecessary rumors | | | | to lighten the facts, the reality is that there is nothing to |
| and fear. In the conversation explain the details and | | | | be terrified about, and that message should be clear to |
| how they can protect themselves, and also how the | | | | your child. |
| authorities are putting forth efforts to eradicate the | | | | The bottom line is that the bird flu can affect humans |
| avian bird flu. | | | | so it is important to let your children know that there |
| You want your child to hear about the details of the | | | | are ways they can protect themselves against it. It |
| bird flu from you first, that way you know the | | | | has only infected a small number of humans but it is still |
| information is presented well and accurate. It's easy to | | | | a strain of influenza. Let them know that the flu shot |
| simply sit down over dinner and let them ask questions | | | | that you can get will reduce the chance of contracting |
| about their concerns and answer what you can. If | | | | the virus from small to zero. |
| there are questions to which you don't know the | | | | By having this conversation with the kids and properly |
| answer, then research them together. Just because | | | | relating to them on their level it will put their minds at |
| you think you should know that answer doesn't mean | | | | ease. After talking about it, it is important top follow up |
| you do. | | | | and get vaccinated and continue to be open and |
| To start with it, would be best to point out the facts | | | | honest with them. Medical professionals from around |
| and separate the scary fictions they may have | | | | the world are working to completely do away with the |
| already heard. Explain what it is, what it does to birds | | | | virus, and prevent it from affecting North America. |