Below is some information on H1N1 Influenza.
H1N1 Influenza
Frequently asked questions about how to protect your family
What is H1N1? How does it compare to seasonal influenza (“flu”)?
H1N1, or the “swine flu,” is a form of influenza. It is not more serious than the seasonal flu. Like the seasonal flu, both illnesses are caused by viruses. The flu is spread as droplets in the air (sneezing, coughing). Germs can be spread by touching the eyes, nose, mouth, and objects without washing hands after sneezing/coughing.
Most cases of H1N1 have been mild, and knowing the risks can help prevent serious illness.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
Fever Body aches
Cough Diarrhea
Vomiting Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat Chills
Fatigue
When should I take my child to the pediatrician?
If your child’s symptoms worsen or you are concerned about your child’s illness
When you come to the office, please let Staff know your child has flu symptoms
Have your child wear a mask when entering the office to prevent spread of droplets in the air.
What should I do if my child has a chronic illness like Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis?
Reports of more severe flu has been reported in patients with chronic illnesses. If your child with a chronic illness has flu-like symptoms, please notify your pediatrician immediately. Antiviral medications have the greatest effect if used within 2 days that symptoms appear.
When should I go to the Emergency Room?
According to the CDC, please go to the ER if your child has any of these symptoms:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
How can I protect my family from H1N1?
Frequently wash hands thoroughly for 15-20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash linens and cups/dishes/utensils carefully, but they do not have to be washed separately from the rest of the household. Clean toys with disinfectant wipes.
All members of your family should receive both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. Yearly vaccines are recommended for all ages, starting at 6 months of age.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Immediately throw away your tissue after use. If no tissue is available, cough/sneeze into your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent spread of germs.
When is the H1N1 vaccine available?
The H1N1 vaccine will be available starting in October. This vaccine will be distributed by the government.
The seasonal flu vaccine is currently available and it is recommended for all members of your family.
Does my family need treatment if my child has H1N1?
It is currently recommended that only members of the household with symptoms be treated at this time. Hand washing and throwing away of used tissues should be done frequently.
For persons not requiring hospitalization, treatment includes fever-reducing medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen), increased intake of fluids, and rest.
Currently, antiviral medications (Tamiflu) are only being used to treat high-risk patients and hospitalized patients.
The CDC advises that you do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
When should my child return to school?
If your child has the flu, they are recommended to return to school after being fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medications (ibuprofen, tylenol). Also alert the school that your child has the flu.
Where can I find more information about H1N1 and the seasonal flu?
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) has several resources on H1N1 and the seasonal flu.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents/
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/Talking_With_Children_About_Flu_FINAL.pdf