Discusses symptoms, prevention, and treatment of the flu. Also discusses effects of antibiotics on colds. (RJC)

Addresses the issue of providing an area for smokers in a child care facility. Because of the increased risks of respiratory diseases associated with exposure to tobacco smoke, a smoking area is not recommended. A clarification is also included concerning a recipe for sanitized play sand. (PAM)

Answers questions from child care center directors about AIDS policies for early childhood settings and policies for meeting children's needs for medicine at the center. (DR)

Discusses the need for child care providers to be sure children in their care who are between the ages of 15 months and 5 years have had Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. Urges child care center staff to avoid use of bean bag infant cushions and to inform parents about the hazards posed by the cushions. (DR)

Describes new concerns about infectious diseases in childcare settings (tuberculosis, gastrointestinal infections, and lice); sleep position and SIDS; HIV/AIDS issues; and the use of sterilized sand in sand boxes. (DR)

Discusses job-related health problems, such as infectious diseases and job stress, that are of concern to child caregivers in child care settings. Ways that these problems can be alleviated and/or medically treated are also discussed. (BB)

Examines the issues involved in determining the criteria to use for excluding ill children from day care centers. (HOD)

Considers aspects of children's fevers. Answers questions concerning: (1) the temperature at which a fever is infectious; (2) the point at which a feverish child in care should be sent home; (3) the length of time a parent should wait before returning the child to day care; and (4) the way to take a child's temperature. (RJC)

Discusses a reasoned response by child care centers to the AIDS virus problem. Considers means of transmission and hygienic practice. Concludes that there is either an extremely low risk or no risk of transmission by children infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to other children in a day care setting. (NH)

Discusses differing opinions about (1) exclusion of ill children from child care; (2) the meaning of fever; (3) appropriate care for ill children; (4) transfer of information about ill children in child care; and (5) written policies and procedures for care of ill children. (NH)

Addresses day care center directors' child care health concerns regarding (l) reasons for and sanitary management of loose stools and diarrhea; (2) finding funds to meet health and safety requirements; and (3) the child who seems to be sick all the time. (RJC)

A physician addresses three health concerns of child care center directors. She provides information about the increasing number of children with asthma problems, the exclusion of ill children from child care settings, and the increasing concern about lead poisoning. (GLR)

Answers questions about health concerns regarding contamination of perishable foods, the association between electromagnetic field exposure and cancer, measles immunization for children and adults, and the newest recommendations for meningitis (Hib) vaccine. (SH)

Discusses appropriate steps to be taken in a day care setting to minimize the known risks associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV). Explains what CMV is; why people should worry about CMV; how it is spread; and how it can be treated and prevented. Suggests a number of hygiene practices for use in day care centers. (RWB)

Infectious diseases can cost many days of fun and learning for children and adults. Some, but not all illness, is inevitable. It is important to have an arrangement with a health professional to observe practices from time to time, and advise about how to prevent and manage infectious disease. Start by practicing easy routines to keep everyone…