Pediatric Center P.C.

H1N1

What is H1N1?

Novel H1N1 is a new Influenza virus which is spreading worldwide. The CDC has identified children as one of the targeted populations for a recurrence of 2009 H1N1 Influenza. The virus may cause more illness or more severe illness than seasonal Influenza, especially among younger children and children of any age who have chronic medical conditions.

What are the Symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms of seasonal Influenza and H1N1 flu include body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, chills, headache, sometimes vomiting or diarrhea, and in most cases fever.

When Should I Bring My Child to the Doctor?

Signs that warrant immediate attention include when your child has a high fever, if he or she is acting very sick, does not want to be held, is breathing rapidly, seems confused or does not want to wake up, develops severe or persistent vomiting, or is not drinking enough. Additionally, if your child has a chronic condition, he should be evaluated if he develops ill symptoms. It is also important to have your child seen if he seemed to recover from the flu but then his symptoms return again including cough or fever. If you are concerned about how your child is tolerating an illness, then you should call or schedule an appointment with your doctor.

How Does H1N1 Spread?

Like seasonal Influenza, the H1N1 virus spreads person to person via the coughs and sneezes of infected people. People may also get sick by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. People with H1N1 can shed the virus and be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to 5-7 days afterwards.

How can I Protect My Family From H1N1?

It is very important that your children and all household members make efforts to stop the spread of Influenza illness. If anyone develops flu like symptoms, do not participate in school, work, sports, daycare, or group activities. Participation when ill puts others at risk. Take additional measures to control the spread of the virus by teaching all household members to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or doing so into an elbow. Washing hands is the most basic and most effective form of protection. Hands should be washed with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. If using an alcohol based cleanser, choose one containing at least 60% alcohol, and rub it into hands until dry. Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth, as germs spread this way. Avoid contact with ill people. Disinfect toys, phones, computer keyboards, and commonly used surfaces regularly.

Keep your child home from all activities, including school and daycare, at least 24 hours after fever is gone. Fever is considered 100 F or 37.8C. Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

In our office, during flu season you will notice that toys have been removed from the waiting rooms and exam rooms. Some toys which are wall mounted may be covered up. This is to prevent the spread of infection between patients. You may wish to bring your own toys for your child to play with while at our office. Additionally, please use the readily available hand sanitizers upon entering the clinic, and discard all used tissues in the appropriate receptacles.

What is the Status of the H1N1 Vaccine?

CDC guidelines regarding priority patient populations to receive H1N1 vaccine have now been expanded to include the general population. Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediactrics states that all patients ages six months and older get vacinated. There are several options for patients to receive the vaccine.

1.	At this time the Pediatric Center is able to offer the vaccine to any current patient six months of age and older.
2.	A walk-in clinic will be held on January 22nd at the Linn County Public Health building from 10:00am-5:00pm. No appointment necessary.
3.	Some local pharmacies will soon be able to vaccinate patients. Be sure to call your intended pharmacy prior to arrival as some age restrictions may apply.
4	Many area schools, both public and parochial, will be holding H1N1 clinics between January 11th-29th. Contact your child's school for details and specifics.

Several additional outbreaks of H1N1 are expected this winter and spring, and therefore it is still important to vaccinate your child even if he / she has already had the H1N1 virus.

How is H1N1 Treated?

H1N1 is a viral illness, which means antibiotics will not treat it. There are antiviral medications available which, when started within 48 hours of illness, can help shorten the duration of the illness and reduce severity of symptoms. The CDC currently recommends that these medications be reserved for patients with chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions, those receiving long-term aspirin therapy, and for children younger than two years of age. Additionally, CDC guidelines state that antiviral medications should not be used preventatively. Most patients who become infected with H1N1 will be able to tolerate the illness without the use of antiviral therapy. Your pediatrician will review each patient's diagnosis carefully, and follow CDC recommendations whenever possible to ensure the best care for your child.

How Do I Know the Current Recommendations and Information Regarding H1N1?

It is important to remain updated regarding changes in recommendations for school, work, and activity attendance for both ill and exposed children should flu conditions become more severe. For current information, go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/