Purpose: The purpose of this article is to address how those caring for children during an influenza pandemic can best respond to their psychosocial needs.
Conclusion: Throughout 2009, the United States grappled with an influenza pandemic, including how to care for children during outbreak of illness. As disease spread, children were identified as being highly susceptible to infection. It is not known how severe future influenza outbreaks will be.
Practice implications: Pediatric healthcare professionals must be prepared to collaboratively address the psychosocial needs of children before, during, and after a pandemic in order to avoid fear and panic.