A topic on many parents minds at this time of year is the flu, and especially so this season given the emergence of the H1N1, or Swine Flu.
2009 H1N1 is expected to spread along with other flu viruses much of this year and next. Seasonal flu viruses usually spread in the fall, winter, and early spring. 2009 H1N1 flu may be the most common form of flu virus causing infection in children this flu season.
What are the symptoms of the flu? Here is a brief synopsis from flu.gov.
Seasonal Flu | H1N1 (Swine) Flu |
All types of flu can cause:
| Same as seasonal flu, but symptoms may be more severe.
In addition to the above symptoms, a number of H1N1 (swine) flu cases reported:
|
Call Garden Pediatrics or seek immediate medical care if your child has any of these symptoms AND...
Is younger than 3 months and has a fever (rectal temperature of 100.4°F [38°C] or higher)
Is sick and has a serious chronic health condition, including lung or heart problems, asthma, diabetes, kidney problems, a weakened immune system, or a serious neurologic or neuromuscular condition (not ADHD or autism)
Is more sleepy than usual or not waking up or acting normally
Has little or no energy to play or keep up with daily activities
Is not drinking enough fluids to make urine
Has trouble breathing or is breathing fast
Is very irritable and cannot be comforted
Has skin color that is blue or gray
- Concern that something is "just not right"
During flu season, it is very important to keep germs from spreading.
Make sure everyone washes their hands often. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (about as long as 1 to 2 verses of the "Happy Birthday" song). Alcohol-based hand rubs should be limited to times when soap and water are not available. Keep these products out of the reach of children and supervise their use.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow or upper sleeve.
Use tissues for wiping runny noses and to catch sneezes. Throw them in the trash right after each use.
Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Anyone who is sick should stay home and limit contact with others.
Keep a child home from school or child care until the fever is gone for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine. Normal body temperature is different for each child and may range from 97°F (36.1°C) to 100.3°F (37.9°C). In general, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher may be a sign of a fever. Note: Schools and child care centers may have different rules about when children need to stay home.
For fever or body aches, we may suggest acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin). NEVER give your child aspirin. If you have any question regarding the dosing please give Garden Pediatrics a call.
Antiviral medicine for flu generally is given to children who are at higher risk of flu complications (such as those with chronic disease or cancer), are younger than 2 years of age, or are in close contact with a person who has the 2009 H1N1 flu.
Visit the AAP Web site regularly for the latest information on the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. In the meantime, have your child immunized to protect against seasonal influenza.
Info from: flu.gov, aap.org, and cdc.gov
