Children and adolescents may suffer psychological trauma as a result of disease, specifically the type of disease, epidemic, or pandemic which arises suddenly, spreads rapidly and widely, results in death, and may not have a known cure. As there is daily news coverage regarding potential health risks from occurrences of H1N1(swine flu), SARS (severe acute respiratory disease), West Nile Virus, and others, the NCTSN will be compiling and providing information on several diseases to address the common questions of parents and families.

The Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide, 2nd edition (PFA), developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD, can assist mental health and other practitioners intervening with children and families exposed to disasters, including epidemics. Access PFA in English, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese by clicking here.

The NCTSN Pandemic Flu Fact Sheet listed below has guidance on preparedness, prevention, and recovery that can help during the H1N1 (swine flu) emergency that began in spring 2009.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website offers:

• General information about H1N1 (swine flu)
      >En Español [Gripe H1N1 de 2009 (gripe porcina)]
• A list of things you can do to prevent infection
      >En Español [Buenos hábitos de salud para la prevención]
• Daily updates on the outbreak
• Updates via e mail, Twitter, and RSS.

The CDC web site features comprehensive information on other infectious diseases, including influenza, SARS, bird flu, and West Nile Virus. The Department of Health and Human Services Pandemic Flu.gov site provides government-wide information on influenza outbreaks.

Pandemic Flu

Pandemic Flu Fact Sheet: A Parents' Guide to Helping Families Cope with a Pandemic Flu (2009) (PDF)
    >En Español [Influenza pandémica: Guía de los padres para ayudar a las familias a enfrentar la Influenza pandémica (2009)] (PDF)

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)