Emotional Health and the Flu
During a severe flu season or a flu pandemic, the focus should be on preparation and vaccination.
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 a severe flu season or a flu pandemic.
Emotional Health Resources Related to Flu and Pandemics
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)
Emotional Health Resources for Parents and Schools
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
