FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SEASONAL AND H1N1 INFLUENZA

1. How can I prevent swine flu and seasonal influenza?

The most important things you can do are vaccinate and practice infection control measures.

Both the seasonal influenza and a separate H1N1 vaccine are recommended – there will not be cross-coverage.

• Seasonal influenza vaccine is expected to be available in our clinic in October. Your child’s age and whether or not they have had previous influenza vaccine will determine whether or not he/she needs one or two doses.
• H1N1 vaccine is also expected sometime in October. Patients may need two doses separated by 3-4 weeks (if indicated).
  • Because there are a limited number of H1N1 vaccine doses available, priority groups will determine who qualifies for the vaccine
  • 6 mos. – 4 years
  • High-risk population (asthma, neuromuscular disease, etc.)
  • Children > 4 yrs will need have an underlying medical condition to qualify
  • Pregnant women
  • Parents of infants &<;6 mos.
  • Household contacts of children (i.e. siblings) <6 mos. old are expected to qualify
  • Healthcare workers

Infection control measures include: avoiding sick people, staying home when you are sick and washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently and anytime you have coughed or sneezed. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve. Disinfect commonly shared surfaces frequently (i.e. telephones, computer keyboards/mouse, countertops, doorknobs/handles, sinks and toilets, etc.)

2. What if my child was exposed to swine flu (H1N1)?

Watch for signs and symptoms of illness:

• Common symptoms of influenza
  • High fever
  • Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Often vomiting and diarrhea associated with H1N1

Medication is very rarely indicated for people who have been exposed to swine flu or seasonal influenza.

Testing for swine flu will not be done except under very specific circumstances – usually a person needs to be hospitalized in order to meet criteria for testing.

3. What do I do if I or my child has symptoms of influenza?

In most cases, supportive care is the treatment. If you or your child have underlying health conditions or your child is very young (especially if <6 mos. and not yet old enough to be vaccinated against influenza), you should notify your health care provider with signs and symptoms of illness. Medications (anti-virals) are not recommended for the majority of cases.  There are very narrow and specific criteria for those who anti-viral medication would be appropriate for.

The most important components of supportive care are adequate fluid intake, rest and comfort measures. Never give your child aspirin for a fever or discomfort. Cough suppressants are not appropriate or indicated for children less than 4 years of age or children with asthma.

Testing for swine flu will not be done except under very specific circumstances – usually a person needs to be hospitalized in order to meet criteria for testing. 

      You should notify your healthcare provider and seek care with severe illness such as:

• Respiratory distress (this may include fast breathing like panting, gasping or difficulty catching breath, wheezing, grunting with each breath, purple skin tone – especially around the lips/mouth, and a “caving in” appearance to chest with each breath or the visualization of the rib cage, collar bone or neck muscles with each breath in – normally not seen with breathing)
• Dehydration

• Can be seen with frequent vomiting or diarrhea, or poor fluid intake, especially when running a high fever.  If your child is having significantly fewer wet diapers, lack of tears with crying, very dry or cold skin, dry & sticky mouth or dark circles under  the eyes, he or she may be dehydrated

• Fever > 105 F

Or, if ill symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks, you should notify your healthcare provider.

You may be required to stay home for as long as 7 days, or for 24 hours after being fever-free. Different organizations may have different requirements. A person should be considered contagious while he or she has a fever but may be contagious for 1 day before the onset of symptoms and for up to 7 days after becoming ill.

4. Where can I get further information about the Flu?
   Some great resources include:

www.pandemicflu.gov

www.who.int

http://www.phd1.idaho.gov/

www.cdc.gov

www.flu.gov

If you do not have access to the internet, you may also call your local health department – 208.415.5100 (Kootenai County office)