According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA. the threat to those under 25 years old is the big danger when it comes to the 2009 H1N1, “swine” flu. Studies point out the danger comes not only from the H1N1 virus, but when influenza is combined with a secondary infection such as pneumonia or strep infections. This it seems is the true danger behind this new variant, the chance of being weakened by swine flu and then a secondary infection setting in.
Swine Flu Deaths
In a recent study of six children who died after becoming ill with the swine flu, it became obvious that “co-infection” was the true danger. In a very simple statement, the CDC reported that “invasive bacterial co-infection, suggesting that bacterial infection, in combination with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, can result in severe disease in children who might be otherwise healthy.”
Translate this into treatment in the Intensive Care Unit and in these six cases, death.
Add to this the concern that one of the pathogens reported is methicillin-resistant S. aureus; commonly known as MRSA, which has shown a fivefold increase over recent years. It is because of this higher than expected occurrence of fatal illness caused by the 2009 H1N1 virus that the CDC and World Health Organization have been so strongly behind the immunization of children older than six months. According to both organizations, it is the best and easiest way to help prevent or at least control the spread of the illness.
Current guidelines call for all children over six months of age and adults up to 24 years old be vaccinated with either the standard injectable form of the vaccine or, for healthy children for whom giving an injections is “difficult,” a nasal spray.
Swine Flu H1N1 Symptoms
But the question remains: With the CDC reporting that only 40 percent of parents say they would be willing to have their child vaccinated, what warning signs should be watched for in a sick child?
According to information made available by the CDC, the following symptoms could indicate infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus.
- Fever - in some of the cases, but not always
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea and vomiting have been reported, but as with fever, this is not always the case
Due to the fact that 2009 H1N1 is especially hard on younger people, it is imperative, the CDC says, that if these symptoms develop the child should be seen by a doctor. If the illness is confirmed, the physician can begin treatment with anti-viral medications to lessen the severity of the illness and shorten the length of time the child is sick.
The brand names of the two medications approved for treating swine flu are Tamiflu® and Relenza®, whose generic names are oseltamivir and zanamivir. Tamiflu® is available as a pill or liquid form and Relenza® is a powder that is inhaled.
Guidelines for use of the medications say they should be administered within two days of the onset of the illness. In many cases, the CDC recommends that in situations where 2009 H1N1 is confirmed, the drugs can be given even after this period of time. Federal guidelines now call for the use of anti-virals beyond the two day window after onset of the illness. This is especially true, as stated in the guidelines, “if the sick person has a greater chance of serious flu complications or if the person has certain symptoms (such as shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, dizziness, or confusion) or is in the hospital because of the flu.”
Those with “a greater chance of serious flu complications” are defined as the following:
- Children younger than two years old
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- People with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart failure, chronic lung disease) and people with a weak immune system (such as diabetes, HIV)
- People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
Swine Flu Complications
For those who have contracted the virus and have seen a doctor, when is it time to return seek to further medical attention? Though there are guidelines listed below, ultimately the responsibility on when to seek additional medical care is in the hands of the parents or care givers of the sick individual. When it comes to H1N1 and the rapidity of the onset of serious complications, a call or trip to the doctor’s office or emergency room is better than second guessing after the fact.
Again, the WHO and the CDC list the warning signs that should be looked for in case the illness is becoming worse.
In children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
If any of these symptoms are present or return after having seen a doctor, it is an emergency and the sick person must be taken either to a doctor or emergency room. This is not to say, as the CDC reminds, that those with minor flu like symptoms should go to the emergency room, but only if the symptoms of flu become worse or when they first appear are very intense. A judgment must be made as to how the sick the individual is, but it must be kept in mind that of the deaths reported in children, some had returned home after seeing a doctor. When symptoms became worse they were not taken for a follow up examination and the illness proved fatal.
For information on the first roll-out of the Swine Flu Vaccine see: H1N1 Vaccine Ready for Use
Find the current recommendations on who should and shouldnt get immunized.
 |
