The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is making the rounds around the world and there is a chance it could be affecting people locally already. Information is the best protection. Read about the symptoms of the swine flu and what to do to help children who have it.
Signs of the Swine Flu (and Seasonal Flu)
Parents should learn to recognize the symptoms of the swine flu. It is almost always characterized by the sudden onset of cough and fever. There are also other common symptoms and symptoms that sometimes occur.
Common symptoms:
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Symptoms that appear sometimes:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are more common for kids who are under the age of five and they may not have a fever. As well, a swine flu infection can quickly move to a serious state for babies who are under two months of age.
What to Do if Child is Sick with Swine Flu
Talk to a doctor if otherwise healthy kids aged five or older are exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Ensure the child gets lots of rest and plenty of liquids. For kids under the age of five, and particularly for those under the age of two, speak with a physician about whether the child needs to be examined. This is also the case for kids of any age who have pre-existing medical conditions. It is important that parents listen to their instinct. If parents are worried about the health of their child at any stage of illness, they should go seek medical attention.
Home Treatment for Kids With Swine Flu
Give kids fever-reducing medicine that is safe such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In Canada, aspirin, cough medicine and cold medicine are not considered safe for kids six years old and younger. Using a humidifier and gargling with warm salt water can also be helpful.
Drugs to Treat the Swine Flu
Both the swine flu and the seasonal flu can be treated with antiviral drugs. A doctor needs to give a patient a prescription and antivirals work best if given within the first 48 hours of the illness. These drugs can make people feel better, recover more quickly, and they might also prevent more serious complications. There are side effects to the medication and not everyone can take them, so discuss it with the doctor. Children are able to take antiviral drugs. For children who have not had the swine flu, there is the option of getting the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
Keep Kids With the Flu at Home
If a child has the above flu symptoms, it is important to keep them home. Wait until the fever has gone and they are back to their usual activity level. A child has a fever if his or her temperature is 37.8°C or 100°F, and the fever should be gone for at least 24 hours and without the help of fever-reducing medication before sending them off to school or daycare. This usually happens within the span of a week.
Signs of Severe Case of H1N1 Flu
Go to a hospital or see a doctor right away if a child develops these symptoms:
- Bluish or grey skin color
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breaths or shortness of breath
- High fever (over 39.5°C or103°F)
- Irritability, so much so the child doesn’t want to play or be held
- Low blood pressure
- Not drinking enough fluids or eating enough
- Not waking up or interacting with others
- Sputum (spit) that is bloody or colored
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or constant vomiting
Parents should learn to recognize the symptoms of the H1N1 flu. If an otherwise healthy child has the flu symptoms, keep him at home until he or she gets better. Talk with a doctor if there are any concerns or if further treatment is needed. Parents should also know what the signs are for complications that would require immediate medical attention for their children.
Read about Swine Flu Facts, Swine Flu and Children, and Swine Flu Vaccine and Antiviral Drugs for Kids for more information.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents(accessed October 19, 2009).
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Advisory Committee Statement (ACS): Statement on Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (TIV) for 2009-2010, October 2009.
Public Health Agency of Canada. Information on Children Less Than Five Years of Age and the H1N1 Flu Virus (accessed October 21, 2009).
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