Jun 17, 09 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.

H1N1 Update

It has now been over 6 weeks since we first heard about H1N1 (swine) flu.  While the media is not talking about it as much any more, we are still seeing a significant number of cases in our community.    In fact, it seems to have increased in the North Shore community over the past two weeks.  That being said, the majority of children getting H1N1 influenza have had mild cases.   I thought this was important to share with you, since any new news coming from the media has only been discussing any deaths.

What we have seen at Bayshore Pediatrics and what most communities are seeing, are children and teens who are developing cough, fever, muscle aches and headaches.  The fever has been anywhere from 101-104 and lasting 2 to 4 days.  Many children are also vomiting a few times with this flu.   By day 3 or 4 of the illness, a majority of children are starting to feel better. 

Because we know that this is a prevalent virus, we are no longer testing everyone with symptoms.  We are also not putting everyone on Tamiflu because the illness is usually mild.  Also, if you or your child has influenza symptoms, you don’t necessarily need to be seen.  Those who have an underlying medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or HIV or those under the age of 1 years old should come in to be evaluated.  We also want to see those who are having significant illness.  This would include those short of breath, children not drinking well, or any child who looks sicker then they would with other illnesses.  Also, if a child starts to improve and then get sick again they should also come in.

Now that school is over, many children are heading off to camp.  Even though this illness is not as severe as once thought, it still spreads easily.  In order to prevent a major outbreak at a camp it is important to not go to camp if you had influenza symptoms within 7 days of departure.  Again, anyone who has fever over 100 with a cough/and or sore throat within 7 days of going to camp should not leave until 7 days after symptoms started or 24 after fever is gone- whichever is longer.

Please stay tuned for future articles about H1N1 updates and news about getting your child ready for camp.

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