Information You Need to Know – H1N1 and Our Kids
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has different recommendations regarding the length of time out of school or childcare, for different age groups of children. This is done to slow down the spread of influenza like illnesses (ILI).

National data shows that children less than 5 years old have the highest hospitalization rate. In Minnesota, the rate of hospitalization from Influenza-Like-Illness among children less than 5 years old was twice the rate of children 5-12 years old.

Hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home when ill are the primary methods to decrease the spread of influenza. However, many young children (6 months-5years) are not able to control their coughs and sneezes. Therefore, these strategies may be less effective in childcare and early childhood programs than in K-12 schools. Also, young children can shed (are infectious) for longer periods of time than adults. It is also important to note, that flu tests are not always accurate. So, if your child is presenting influenza-like- symptoms (fever of 100.0 or higher and a cough and/or sore throat) they should stay home.

*Childcare and Early Childhood Programs – 6 months to 5 years
Stay home seven (7) days after symptoms begin, including must be fever free with no fever-reducing medications, for 24 hours

*Children K-12 Grade
Stay home 3-5 days after symptoms begin, including must be fever free with no fever-reducing medications, for 24 hours

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