Is H1N1 much ado about nothing?
One of the enduring stories over the last few months has been about the H1N1 virus (or swine flu). With all of the information circulating from the health department, the 24 hour news stations, and the usual water cooler chats, it can be difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. This has prompted many questions by our patients. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions we have encountered at Almaden Pediatrics.
How does it spread?
The spread of H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
One cannot be infected from H1N1 through eating pork, drinking from the public water supply, or playing in swimming pools, spas, water parks, etc.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually include the abrupt onset of fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, and body aches. Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea in addition too the above symptoms. However, vomiting and diarrhea alone, which is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” are not H1N1 or seasonal influenza symptoms.
What do I do if my child is sick?
If you think your child may have an H1N1 infection the first thing you should do is… don’t panic. Start with old standards of fever control using acetaminophen (Tylenol)/ibuprofen Advil/Motrin), fluids, rest and TLC. If the symptoms are moderate to severe you should take your child to his/her pediatrician to be evaluated.
Is there treatment for H1N1?
Tamiflu and Relenza are effective against the H1N1 virus. These medications help by minimizing the intensity and duration of the symptoms and help to minimize its spread. They are most effective when started within 48-72 hours of the onset of the symptoms.
If we are in a true pandemic, these medications will likely be rationed and available only to those who are considered to be at greatest risk of complications. Children are likely to be classified in that group.
Is there a test for H1N1?
There is a test for H1N1 available only through the Public Health Department. At this time they are not doing any more testing. This may change depending on what happens this winter.
Is there an H1N1 vaccine?
There is no vaccine currently available although there is one in development. We are hopeful that it will be available by November of this year. It is not yet known how much will be available or who will be eligible to receive it.
Should I remove my child from school if another child at school has H1N1?
No. The child who is ill should not attend school while he/she is ill however; there is no need for other children who are not ill to stay home from school.
How concerned should I be about the H1N1 virus?
For now, there is no need to be very concerned. While there have been some hospitalizations and even some deaths associated with H1N1, the vast majority of those with H1N1 have suffered mild to moderate symptoms and have recovered completely within about one week. This has been true in Almaden, too, where the patients we have seen at Almaden Pediatrics have suffered only a mild to moderate illness.
It is possible that it may become more serious during the winter months when the virus tends to be more virulent (stronger), however it is impossible to predict at this time. Health officials have been monitoring how H1N1 has been acting in the southern hemisphere (where it is currently winter) and that information may help us predict how H1N1 behaves this winter here.
Where can I get more information?
Click here to access the CDC web site for the most up-to-date information on the H1N1 virus.