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H1N1 (swine) influenza
 Information for Child Care Providers

Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, sparking a growing outbreak of illness in the United States.

As of January 2010, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has revised the exclusion period for staff and children in early childhood programs and childcare centers. Children and staff with Influenza-like Illness (ILI) can return after fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. For more information, see Childcare and Early Childhood Programs: Influenza-like Illness on the MDH Web site.

We will update this page as we receive information of interest to people who care for children in Minnesota. Page last updated: January 26, 2009

We hope the tools and resources below will be helpful as you work to address concerns in your community.

Flu Preparedness Information for Providers (PDF)
Flu Screening Tool (PDF)
Flu Season Child Care Searches: Talking Points for Parents
(Hmong—Somali—Spanish)
Flu Preparedness Informations for Parents

Important Links:

Minnesota Dept of Health

MDH Recommendations for Response to Influenza for Childcare and Early Childhood Programs (Pre-K)

Other Resources:


Please note: The Minnesota Department of Health has released specific recommendations regarding the length of time children with flu-like symptoms should be excluded from child care. These guidelines differ from similar guidelines offered by the CDC. We have included links to CDC materials as they may provide valuable information on prevention and education. Please use these materials but refer back to Minnesota-specific recommendations surrounding the schedule for allowing recovering children back into your care.

CDC Information for Pregnant Women Working in Education, Child Care, and Health Care Settings Concerning 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus

H1N1 updates from the California Child Care Health Program

Is it a Cold or the Flu? [PDF] flyer from the US Department of Health and Human Services

Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs

The purpose of “Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs” is to provide information and communication resources to help center-based and home-based child care programs, Head Start programs, and other early childhood programs implement recommendations from CDC’s Guidance on Helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Respond to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Influenza Season.

The pages below include links to the document as a whole, sections of the document (PDF) and templates for letters and e-mails to send to parents (Microsoft Word).

Chicago H1N1 study shows children far more susceptible than older adults
A study of the first 3 months of the H1N1 flu epidemic in Chicago shows that children aged 5 to 14 were 14 times more susceptible to the virus than adults aged 60 and older, according to Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Chicago had 1,557 confirmed cases during the 3 months, and the attack rate for children was 147 per 100,000 population. The hospitalization rate was highest for children 0 to 4 years old (25 per 100,000), followed by those aged 5 to 14 (11 per 100,000).

New Survival Tips Posters Preventing the Flu (PDF;542KB) in English and Spanish (Prevención de la Gripe)