Information for parents about H1N1 Influenza

Posted on: 10/29/2009

Information for parents about H1N1 Influenza

Contents:

What is H1N1 Influenza?
What are the symptoms of H1N1 Influenza?
How can I avoid catching H1N1 Influenza?
What should I do if I think someone in my family is infected?
How can I take care of someone with Influenza at home?
Is there a vaccine available for H1N1 Influenza?
Resources

What is H1N1 Influenza?

2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.  Because this is a new strain of influenza most people less than 60 years of age have no immunity so it can spread very rapidly throughout the community.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 Influenza?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Infection is similar to that with seasonal influenza.  A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

How can I avoid catching H1N1 Influenza?

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

What should I do if I think someone in my family is infected?

Most people with H1N1 Influenza infection will get better without medical care.  If you have severe illness (see warning signs below) or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care.  Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.  Patients at high risk of complications include:

• Children younger than 5 years old. The risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old

• Adults 65 years of age and older

Persons with the following conditions.

• Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)

• Immunosuppression/weakened immune system, including that caused by medications or by HIV

• Pregnant women

• Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek medical care.  In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• 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

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

How can I take care of someone with Influenza at home?

The CDC has produced excellent information on the care of Influenza patients at home.  See the following website for further information: 

Interim Guidance for Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Is there a vaccine available for H1N1 Influenza?

There is a vaccine available for the H1N1 influenza strain.  Currently the CDC recommends targeting the following groups for H1N1 influenza vaccination:  Pregnant women, healthcare workers, caregivers for children under 6 months of age, adults and children 6 months to 24 years of age, and individuals with chronic medical problems.

For information on vaccine availability in our area please see the Update on the Availability of H1N1 Vaccination article on our website by clicking the link or visiting our home page.

For up to date information from the CDC about the H1N1 vaccine please see:

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

Please Note:

Seasonal influenza vaccination should be obtained in addition to H1N1 vaccination.  Seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect you from H1N1 influenza.

Resources:
From the CDC:    2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
    http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm