The swine flu , also known as the H1N1 virus , is all over the news . A string of cases have been reported across the United States , as well as across the globe , with Mexico the hardest hit country , so far . Older kids , who may be scared but hide it , should be reassured that parents and health officials are on top of it . It 's easy to freak out amid these disturbing reports , but the truth is you 're probably doing everything you need to do to protect your family . `` Parents should be aware of what public health officials are saying , and then just be extra vigilant about the precautions they 'd normally take to prevent the spread of germs , '' says Joseph Bocchini , M.D. , chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics committee on infectious diseases and pediatrics chair of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport . No. 1 on the list : washing hands more frequently . So take a deep breath , put down the surgical mask , and read on for all information you need to know . Parenting.com : Cold and flu old wives ' tales Signs and symptoms Indicators of swine flu are not unlike those for regular old run-of-the-mill flu . What makes this virus different from typical flu is that more serious complications , such as pneumonia , might occur more often . Also , says Bocchini , this is a new strain of flu , and no one in the population would be expected to be immune . One of the biggest concerns for officials is simply that a lot of people could get sick at the same time . Take heart in knowing that our government health officials are doing everything they can to make sure the country 's prepared . In the mean time , your job is to know how to spot the signs . If you or your child are experiencing any of the following , call your doctor . He or she may want you to come in and be tested . Parenting.com : Interactive symptom checker • fever -LRB- above 100.4 for babies 3 months and younger , and 101.1 for everyone else -RRB- , plus • cough • sore throat • intense body aches • headache • chills • fatigue Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting , too . Pregnant women are at extra risk for complications even with regular flu , according to Bocchini , and small children have a higher rate of hospitalization . Both expectant women and moms of kids under 2 should be extra careful about taking action quickly . Parenting.com : How to keep nosy , germy strangers away from your baby When to head to the ER If your child demonstrates any of the following symptoms , it 's time to seek emergency care : • Fast or troubled breathing • Bluish skin color • Refusal to drink fluids • Difficulty waking up and/or interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held * Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough • Fever with a rash , especially one that does not blanch In adults , the following symptoms deserve an ER trip as well : • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest • Abdominal pain • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting How to talk to your kids about It As always , you 'll want to explain to kids that germs can make us sick , and that 's why it 's important to wash your hands . You can say , `` Soap and water rinse away the little buggers so they ca n't make us feel bad . '' If they 've caught wind of swine flu in particular , it 's important to project an image of calm -LRB- even if you 're internally flipping out -RRB- and make them feel safe . Small kids should be soothed with a simple explanation that there are different kinds of flu , and we should just keep up with washing up . Older kids , who may be scared but hide it , can be given a few more details but should still be reassured that their parents and our health officials are on top of it . Easing symptoms and treatment If you come down with the flu , swine or otherwise , there are a few things you can do to keep yourself comfortable . • If you or your child feel at all flu-ish , skip work and school . Stay home until you feel completely well . • Try to stay in a separate area of the house to limit the risk of passing the virus . • Rest up -- consider it your free pass to catch up on your DVR list . • Push clear fluids , such as water and soup . • Ease body aches with acetaminophen , ibuprofen , or naproxen . If your child is under 2 , check with your doctor before giving them medication . • Using a humidifier can ease a stuffy nose . Saline drops followed by suctioning with a nasal syringe can bring additional relief to small children . • There is treatment for swine flu . Antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza can lessen your symptoms make you feel better faster and prevent swine flu-related complications if taken early on . Consult your doctor about a prescription . Is there a cure ? There 's not a cure , but a vaccine is being developed , according to the FDA . If you already got a flu shot , it probably wo n't protect you from this strain , but it 's a good idea to still get one annually . Prevention 101 You probably already know all about how to prevent the spread of germs , but in an outbreak like this , it ca n't hurt to be a little more vigilant . Here 's a rundown of easy things you can do , starting today . Parenting.com : Ask Dr. Sears : Immune system boosters At home : • This one 's a no-brainer but bears repeating : wash your hands frequently , and make sure your kids do the same . It 's a good idea to get into the habit of doing it as soon as you walk in the door , before meals and food prep , post-potty and after touching pets . • Take a moment to clean germ hot spots , like tables , doorknobs , desks and kitchen counters , with a disinfectant . Look for products that contain bleach or alcohol . • Keep your family 's immune system strong with regular sleep , and lots of fruits and veggies . If you know anyone who 's been sick , stay away for now . Out and about : • Try to keep up the frequent hand-washing , especially after trips to the playground . • If you do n't have a sink handy , use an alcohol-based sanitizer gel or wipe . Look for ones that contain at least 60 % alcohol . • Try to avoid crowded areas . • Wash your hands or use sanitizer after handling money . • Use your own pen when signing credit card slips . Everywhere : • Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze , and remind your kiddos to do the same . • Throw your used tissue in the trash instead of stuffing it in your pocket . • Try to avoid touching your eyes , nose and mouth , which give germs a fast track to infection . • Remind kids not to share cups , utensils and plates with friends . Getting kids to wash their hands Yes , you know they should wash those dirty mitts often , but what you really need to know is how to get them to do it sans whining . We 've got some tips and tricks for making washing up fun : • To get them to soap up for the required 20 seconds -LRB- or more -RRB- , belt out `` Happy Birthday '' twice . Everyone sounds better in the bathroom anyway , right ? • Fill the sink with water , and let them go to town with foam soaps and bath toys . -LRB- Ignore the water on the floor . -RRB- Parenting.com : Germ-fighting tips for parents • Lather up , Mom ! Be a good example for your kids , and encourage them to `` teach '' their dolls to wash up , too . • Make sure they can reach the sink easily . If you do n't have one already , get a colorful stool to give them a boost . • Keep their fingernails clipped -- less real estate for germs ! Try a FREE TRIAL issue of Parenting Magazine - CLICK HERE !