1.     What is the Flu?

The Flu (or influenza) is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. The symptoms of the flu are similar to those of the common cold but generally a lot worse. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

Fever (101°F or higher)

Headache

Extreme tiredness

Dry cough

Sore throat

Runny/stuffy nose

Muscle aches

The symptoms for H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu are much the same.

2.     What is the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?

Novel H1N1 Flu (also referred to as “Swine Flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April of 2009. This virus is spreading in much the same way that the regular Seasonal Flu virus spreads. The symptoms are also much the same.

3.     What is a “pandemic” flu?

The word pandemic tells how far the virus has spread throughout the world. It does not refer to the severity of the virus. 

4.     Is there a vaccine for the Swine Influenza Virus (H1N1)?

Several H1N1 Vaccines are now available to the public.  Chapel Hill Pediatrics and Adolescents has offered to adminster the vaccine but we do not have any control over how much H1N1 vaccine we will receive and when we will receive it. 

5.     What should I do if I think my child has H1N1?

In general, it is best to try and treat flu-like symptoms at home. The treatment of H1N1 Flu depends on your child's main symptoms. It’s no different from treating symptoms of the common cold. So far the rate of complications is no higher than with regular Seasonal Flu. Bed rest is not necessary. Antibiotics are not helpful.

Fever or aches

Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever over 102°F (39°C) or for any pain. Children and adolescents who have influenza should never take aspirin.

Cough

For children over age 6, give cough drops. If your child is over 1 year of age, give honey (1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed). Never give honey to babies. If honey is not available, you can use corn syrup. Drugstore cough medicines are not as helpful as honey. Also, they are not approved for children under 4 years old (FDA).

Sore throat

Tylenol or ibuprofen is very helpful for throat pain. Children over 6 years old can suck on hard candy. Children over 1 year old can sip warm chicken broth or other warm liquids.

Stuffy or blocked nose

Saline (or warm-water) nose drops followed by suction (or nose blowing) will open most blocked noses. Use these “nasal washes” whenever your child can't breathe through the nose. You can buy saline spray without a prescription. Saline nose drops can also be made by adding 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) of table salt to 1 cup (8 oz or 240 ml) of warm water. Use 2 or 3 drops at a time.

6.     When should I bring my child in for an appointment?

a.     Call your child's doctor Now (night or day) if:

Your child looks or acts very sick

Breathing becomes difficult or fast

Your child has not had urine in 12 hours or has a dry mouth or no tears

b.     Call your child's doctor during the day if:

Your think your child needs to be seen

Your child is in the HIGH RISK group and has flu symptoms

Earache or sinus pain occurs

Fever lasts more than 3 days

Cough lasts more than 3 weeks

Your child becomes worse

7.     Is there a medicine to treat H1N1?

High-risk children with suspected H1N1 can be given an antiviral medicine if seen in the office soon (within 2 days) after the onset of symptoms. The medicine may reduce the severity and/or length of the illness. It does not cure the illness.  Not every child with H1N1 will need antiviral medicine; the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends antiviral treatment only for high-risk children.

8.     If I have one child who develops the H1N1 Flu, should I get preventative medicine for my other children?

Preventative antiviral medication is only indicated for high-risk children after exposure.

9.     How would I know if my child is high-risk?

The following children are at higher risk for complications from H1N1 Flu:  lung disease (such as asthma), heart disease (such as a congenital heart disease), weak immune system (such as cancer), diabetes, sickle cell disease, kidney disease, diseases requiring long-term aspirin therapy, other chronic diseases, pregnant teens, or young children less than 5 years old. If your child fits into one of these categories and has been exposed to H1N1 Flu, talk with your physician.

10.                       How might my child get H1N1 flu?

Transmission of the H1N1 flu is the same as transmission of seasonal influenza. This transmission is by droplet through the respiratory system, e.g. an infected person sneezes next to another person and the droplets are inhaled. These droplets do not remain suspended in the air and cannot travel far (> 6 feet). Transmission may also occur by contact with a contaminated surface, e.g. an infected person sneezes and droplets fall on a counter-top; another person touches the counter-top and then rubs their mouth or nose.

11.                       What is considered “close contact” with another person sick with H1N1?

Close contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is defined as having cared for or lived with a person who is a confirmed, probable or suspected case of H1N1 flu, or having been in a setting where there was a high likelihood of contact with respiratory droplets and/or body fluids of such a person. Examples of close contact include kissing or embracing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, physical examination, or any other contact between persons likely to result in exposure to respiratory droplets. Close contact typically does not include activities such as walking by an infected person or sitting across from a symptomatic patient in a waiting room or office.

12.                       How long will the H1N1 Flu last?

While each child is different, generally the fever lasts 2 to 3 days, the runny or stuffy nose 1 to 2 weeks, and the cough 2 to 3 weeks.