Health officials stress that you should keep your kids home only if they are sick. H1N1 of 2009 does not seem to cause illness that's any worse than seasonal flu. In addition to getting them vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1 flu, teach your kids basic hygiene habits, which can go a long way in preventing the spread of the virus. If your child gets sick, keep him home for 24 hours after the fever breaks on its own, without the help of medication.