Childcare and Early Childhood Programs: Influenza-Like Illness
(H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza)

Influenza can spark outbreaks in childcare increasing both absence rates and parental concern.

Note: As of January 2010, MDH has revised the exclusion period for staff and children in early childhood programs and childcare centers. Children and staff with ILI can return after fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

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Basics

• Influenza (Flu) Information for Childcare Settings
  Fact sheet for childcare providers on influenza including symptoms, vaccination, and ways to prevent the flu from spreading.
  
  
• Childcare and Early Childhood Programs (Pre-K Programs) Frequently Asked Questions
  Frequently asked questions from childcare personnel about children, staff, and facilities and influenza.
  

Tools and Templates

• Influenza-like Illness Symptom Screening Tool for Parents and Caregivers
  Screening tool for parents and caregivers to use with children to screen for symptoms of influenza-like illness. This tool is currently available in three languages (English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali).
  
  
• Template Letter for Parents –Childcare and Early Childhood Programs (Pre-K)(Word:63KB/3 pages)
  Letter for childcare and early childhood programs to send to parents with information regarding influenza.
  
  
• Template Parent Notice for Childcare and Early Childhood Programs (Word:24KB/1 page)
  • Spanish (Word:24KB/1 page)
  • Hmong (Word:24KB/1 page)
  • Somali (Word:24KB/1 page)
    These notices are for childcare and early childhood programs to send to parents when children or staff have influenza-like illness.
    
    
• Influenza - Parent Fact Sheet for Children in Childcare/PreK Programs (PDF:16KB/1 page)
  • Spanish (PDF:17KB/1 page)
  • Hmong (PDF:17KB/1 page)
  • Somali (PDF:17KN/1 page)
    These fact sheets for Childcare and Pre K programs are from the Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual. Attention: Non-MDH links
  
  

Additional Resources

• Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfection: Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual
  General information about cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting; guidelines for specific items commonly used in the childcare and school setting; and a checklist for choosing a disinfectant other than bleach.
  
  
• Cover Your Cough for Schools, Childcare, and the Community
  Posters, brochures, and other materials that you can use to help teach people to cover their cough.

Vaccine Information

• Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV): A Safe and Effective Choice
  Concerned about FluMist? Is it safe and effective?

• Your Child with Asthma Needs a Flu Shot!
  This CDC podcast discusses the importance of the influenza vaccine for children with asthma. Attention: Non-MDH link

Poster for Childcare and K-12 Schools: Get Your Flu Vaccines: Now is the time (PDF: 461KB/1 page)

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If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.