Medikidz explain Swine Flu to children 
(14/01/2010)
With over 20% of all the H1N1 deaths amongst under-14’s and as many as 30% of all under-16’s predicted to fall ill in a second wave of the virus, there is clearly a need to ensure that children are given the maximum advice on how to help protect themselves.
The decision to expand the Swine Flu vaccination programme to include under-5s confirmed that children are very much in the front line in the fight against the spread of the virus.
Medikidz explain Swine Flu is the latest publication from Medikidz. The Medikidz Superheroes – Pump, Chi, Skinderella, Gastro, Axon and Abacus – explain Swine Flu by taking Jasmine on a tour of Mediland, a planet shaped just like the human body. Along the way, she learns about how the infection occurs, as well as the basic hygiene measures that she needs to take to help stop it spreading. Amongst other things, she’s shown when and how to use a hand gel sanitiser.
What’s up with Jasmine? Medikidz explain Swine Flu has been peer reviewed by Dr Calum Semple (Clinical Advisor for the Department of Health and Senior Lecturer & Consultant Respiratory Paediatrician at the Institute of Child Health, University of Liverpool), and Dr John McCauley (Research Director in the Division of Virology at the National Institute for Medical Research and Director of the World Health Organisation’s World Influenza Centre).
Founded by Dr Kim Chilman-Blair and Dr Kate Hersov – Medikidz aims to give young people access to child-friendly information about their illness, health and treatment. After working in paediatrics, both became frustrated that there was very little available to help educate young people about their conditions and medicines. Indeed, every year, some 350 million 5-15 year olds are diagnosed with a childhood illness in the top seven English speaking countries.
Designed to meet this challenge, Medikidz explains complex medical information in an entertaining, exciting and novel way to young people – and their parents – using the ‘Medikidz’, a gang of five larger-than-life superheroes, who feature in print in the comic books and online at the Medikidz website.
Medikidz is also big on social networking, allowing children affected with illness, in a safe and fully-moderated environment, to connect with others to share their experiences. It’s like a medical Facebook for sick kids.
Dr Kim Chilman-Blair, author and Chief Executive of Medikidz says, "The recent news on the Swine Flu virus has caused confusion and anxiety amongst children and their families. Our novel approach of explaining this condition to children in their own language, will not only help them to understand the real facts, but will also arm them with skills to help reduce the spread of the virus."
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