Emotional Health and the Flu
During the 2009 flu season, the focus should be on preparation and vaccination. It is useful to remind the public that vast majority of people who contracted the H1N1 flu have recovered without requiring medical treatment and without experiencing complications.
State and local governments should seek to minimize public anxiety and encourage healthy preparation for a flu pandemic. Vaccination is still the best protection against contracting the flu.
The following resources will help communities, schools and individuals prepare for the 2009 flu season.
Strategies to Combat the Psychological Impacts of a Pandemic Discover ways to help your clients, patients, and co-workers in coping with the flu. Watch this in our Video Library. |
Emotional Health Resources Related to Flu and Pandemics
Managing Your Anxiety about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) from the American Psychological Association
Preparing for a H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic - Coping and Emotional Well Being [PDF – 85KB] from the American Red Cross.
Mental Health and Behavioral Guidelines for Response to a Pandemic Flu Outbreak [PDF – 173 KB] from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS)
Communicating in a Crisis - Risk Communication Guidelines for Public Officials [PDF – 454 KB] from SAMHSA
Emotional Health Resources for Parents and Schools
Helping Children Cope With Fear & Anxiety [PDF – 12KB] from the SAMHSA National Mental Health Information Center
Talking With Children About Flu [PDF -121 KB] from the National Association of School Nurses
Pandemic Flu Fact Sheet - A Parents’ Guide to Helping Families Cope with a Pandemic Flu [PDF- 368 KB] from the National Child Pandemic Stress Network
Guidelines for Responding to the Death of a Student or School Staff [PDF – 1586KB] from the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
At the Hospital: Helping My Child Cope [PDF 117 – KB] from the National Child Pandemic Stress Network
At the Hospital: Helping My Teen Cope [PDF 95 – KB] from the National Child Pandemic Stress Network
Emotional Health Grief Resources
How to Deal With Grief resource list from SAMHSA
Helping Children and Adolescents Deal with Grief [PDF – 166KB] from the University of South Dakota – Disaster Mental Health Institute
