As most people are already aware, flu season will be a little different this year due to the H1N1 (swine flu) influenza virus. Guidelines this year recommend that children receive their regular flu shots in addition to the new H1N1 vaccine. Regular seasonal flu shots are recommended every year for those at risk. Guidelines recommend that all children from 6 months to 18 years receive the flu vaccine.
The flu shot, which helps protect against the influenza virus, is especially important for those at higher risk of developing complications due to an influenza infection. This includes children aged 6-59 months, those with asthma, diabetes, chronic lung and heart disease, and those with weakened immune systems. Infants under 6 months are especially vulnerable because they are not old enough to get a flu shot. For this reason, parents and caregivers should also receive the vaccine.
We have already received some of our regular influenza vaccine and the rest is expected to arrive any day now. We plan to hold our flu shot clinics on Saturdays in October. Again this year, we will have the nasal-spray FluMist vaccine for healthy patients 2 years and older.
Tentative Flu shot clinics:
Check with us at the beginning of October for further information on scheduling.
Our office plans to have H1N1 vaccine available for our patients. However, at this time, we are still not certain how it will be distributed. It is expected to arrive in mid-October or November. We will keep you updated as we learn more, so please check this newsletter frequently for the most current information. |
Now that the kids are back in school, H1N1 influenza is starting to spread. As of mid-September, the Denver metro area is seeing an increasing number of H1N1 flu cases and our office has had many cases as well. It is very unusual to see influenza this time of year.
The good news, so far, is that H1N1 influenza is no more severe or deadly than the regular seasonal flu. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, body aches, headache, sore throat and runny nose. In addition, vomiting and diarrhea have been seen more frequently in H1N1 than regular flu.
If your child develops any of the above symptoms, make sure to keep them home from school to help prevent the spread of illness. The CDC recommends that children stay home from school until they have gone 24 hours without fever and without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Make sure your child drinks plenty of clear fluids. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) can be given to help reduce fever, headaches and body aches. Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicine (such as Pepto-Bismol). Encourage your child to rest. In addition to home care, H1N1 influenza can be treated with anti-viral medication available by prescription through our office. Please contact us if you suspect your child has the flu.
Look out for more serious symptoms that indicate your child needs to be seen by the doctor right away:
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
- Not drinking fluids.
- Not urinating in over 8 hrs.
- Severe or persistent vomiting.
- Not waking up or interacting as usual.
- Extremely irritable or inconsolable.
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Of course, the best thing is to avoid getting sick in the first place. Here are some tips to keep you and your child healthy:
Get vaccinated for both regular influenza and H1N1. Those recommended to receive the H1N1 vaccine include children ages 6 months to 24 years, in addition to other high risk groups including those considered high risk for seasonal flu.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, cough into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, after coughing or blowing your nose and after being around someone who is sick. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t available.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your hands to your face, nose and eyes.
Don’t smoke. Even residual smoke on your clothing can injure your child’s airways, making it harder for the body to get rid of germs.
Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of sleep.
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