Ask a Pediatrician: H1N1 Flu
by Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge
H1N1 flu has kept doctors’ offices and emergency rooms busy in Nashville over the past few weeks. Some parents have questions about what to do if their child is ill. This week’s Flu Bulletin offers answers to some of those questions.
What is H1N1?
H1N1 is a new type of flu (influenza). Almost every year we have a flu season and many people become ill with the “seasonal flu.” Like the seasonal flu, H1N1 flu is caused by a virus. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu causes fever and other symptoms like cough or sore throat. Sometimes H1N1 flu causes vomiting too. Most children who get the flu will be ill for a few days and get better. A few children will get sicker, and in very few cases children may need to be admitted to the hospital. Unfortunately, some cases can lead to very severe infection and death.
Why is there so much talk about this virus?
Because this is a new flu virus, very few people have had it before. This means very large numbers of people could become ill. Also, this virus is causing illness early in the fall, outside of the usual flu season.
Why is there so much attention on children with this flu?
Children less than 5 years of age are more likely to get sick with H1N1 flu. Children of all ages with a chronic medical condition are also more likely to get sick with H1N1.
What should I do if my child gets sick?
You should call your doctor if your child has a fever of 100.4 or more, a cough, a sore throat, or cannot drink or keep liquids down. Your doctor will determine if you need to be seen. Your child should stay home from school or daycare until the fever is gone for a whole day.
If your child gets very ill and has difficulty breathing, a significant decrease in energy, an increasing fever, or she is dizzy or confused, then your child should be taken to the hospital.
What do I do if I don’t have a doctor?
If you do not have a doctor, you can call the Metro Health Department at 340-7775 and they will help you to identify a doctor.
How do I keep my child from catching the H1N1 flu?
The virus that causes the H1N1 flu is spread by coming in close contact to someone who is already sick. You can help keep your child healthy by keeping them away from sick people. Also, teach them two important rules: Cover your Cough and sneeze, and wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. If you don’t have water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
We recommend that children get the seasonal flu vaccine, and also the H1N1 flu vaccine. Many children can receive Flu Mist vaccine. Flu Mist is a nasal spray and not a shot. The H1N1 vaccine will be available in a few weeks. The seasonal flu vaccine is available now. You may be able to get these from your Doctor, or from the Metro Health Department. Children under 9 years of age will need two doses a month apart. Children 10 and older will only need one dose.
Is the H1N1 vaccine going to be safe?
Flu shots have been available for many years. Millions of people have received them. Most people have no problem with the shot. The most common side effects are soreness, swelling and a little redness at the site of the shot.
Where do I go for additional information?
If you have access to a computer you can go to the Metro Health Dept. website http://health.nashville.gov/ for additional information. If you are not near a computer, you can call the Community Information Telephone Line at (615) 340-7775.