Lots of media reports and confusing information from many sources has left parents worried and confused about what they should do about the H1N1 pandemic and their own children. (See related article of FAQs regarding vaccination. ) The reality is that we may not have enough H1N1 vaccine in time to properly immunize all of the children. Since this flu began in April, your child may have already had H1N1 influenza during the last school year, camp season or during the Fall. If they didn’t get it before, there is a good chance they will get it now.
So let’s review the important facts. For one thing, most healthy children will not become seriously ill if they get this flu virus. They will be sick, but they will recover in 4-5 days. Here is a guide to getting them through both H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu which will be here before we know it. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:
Incubation period is 1-4 days, but possibly as long as 7.
The symptoms can vary, however they are similar to regular seasonal flu and can include:
- Sudden onset of fever (usually high but average around 102)
- Headache
- Fatigue or Tiredness
- Dry Cough
- Sore Throat
- Nasal Congestion
- Muscle Aches
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
The difference between this strain and the seasonal flu is that there are more gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea and there have been cases (with positive H1N1 tests.) that do not have fever. In addition, just as in seasonal flu, children can have neurologic complications including seizures. The severe complications involve co-infection with bacteria, and the development of severe respiratory distress syndrome.
What can I do if my child gets the H1N1 flu?
The treatment is similar to what we do for regular flu. The uncomplicated flu lasts 7 - 10 days. Treatment includes plenty of fluids, bed rest and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, headache and body aches. For cough, try a mixture of honey and lemon (if older than 1 year), non-caffeine teas. Use a humidifier to help loosen secretions. Try to avoid OTC cold medicines which are not recommended for children. And to prevent Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal illness, never give aspirin to your child or adolescent with the flu. If cough is keeping your child from sleeping, consult your pediatrician.
Are there medicines for the flu?
Yes. There is an antiviral called Oseltamivir marketed as Tamiflu that must be given within the first 48 hours of the illness. It can lessen the severity of the H1N1 illness and prevent serious complications. Most healthy children and adults do not need Tamiflu and the drug itself can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting. It is only recommended for children in the high risk groups. This includes any children less than 2 years of age and any child or teen with an underlying medical condition, especially asthma or neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental diseases and conditions. Consult your pediatrician or family physician if your child is at risk and contracts what you believe is the flu.
What are the emergency warning signs? According to the CDC website and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following are the signs and symptoms to be aware of when a child has the flu and needs immediate medical attention:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· 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
- Fever with a rash
For teens and adults:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
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