News
H1N1 FLU VIRUS
Posted on: 11/23/2009
Learn about the Novel H1N1 flu virus and steps you can take to protect yourself.
The symptoms of this flu are similar to seasonal flu - fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, and lethargy. Cough, fatigue and fever are almost always present. 25% also have vomiting and diarrhea. Not all symptoms need to be present to have the flu. Fortunately, most children have experienced a self-limited respiratory illness without complications.
The treatment of this flu is the same as regular seasonal flu - rest, extra fluids, and fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (absolutely no aspirin or aspirin containing products) as needed. An office visit is not necessary to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to monitor the duration of fever (usually 2-4 days) and look for signs of a secondary infection such as pneumonia (difficult or rapid breathing, chest pain or persistent fever over 4 days). Your child should be seen if any of these conditions develop.
Additionally, certain groups of children are at higher risk of complications and should be seen if they have suspected influenza: Children under the age of 2 years; children with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, neurologic issues, long-term aspirin therapy and others); and children with symptoms of possible pneumonia or other secondary illness.
Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:
• has difficulty breathing or chest pain
• has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
• has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
• is less responsive than normal or becomes confused
Most healthy children with flu do not require anti-viral medications. We will continue to follow CDC guidance on when to use anti-viral medications to help make sure there is supply for those who most need it.
Any child who has had suspected or known H1N1 flu should remain at home until he or she is fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications for 24 hours.
Tips to Stay Healthy
There are things you can do to keep you and your child healthy:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze in your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
· Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
· Avoid close contact with sick people
· If you or your child gets sick with a flu-like illness, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Pediatric Studies on the H1N1 vaccine are pending at this time
Link
If you would like more information on novel H1N1 flu, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
For a printable brochure on H1N1 flu, please follow the link on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/flyers.htm.
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