Questions & Answers for Parents
Will my child need more than one dose of the H1N1 vaccine?
In many cases, yes. Children 6 months up to 9 years of age will need two doses of vaccine. If possible, the first dose should be given as soon as vaccine becomes available. The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the first dose. Children who only get one dose but need two doses can have reduced or no protection from a single dose of flu vaccine.
Is there swine flu in San Diego?
Yes. There have been several confirmed cases of swine flu in San Diego County with cases seen in children.
How serious is swine flu?
Severity of any type of influenza (flu) disease can vary in different people. Very young children, older people, and those with immune system problems are more likely to become very ill. Most of the cases of swine flu reported this year in the United States and all of the cases in San Diego have been mild to moderate with most patients recovering without treatment.
How could my child get swine flu?
Swine flu is most likely spread the same way regular influenza is spread. Flu viruses are spread by contact with people with flu, especially through coughing and sneezing. Flu viruses can also be spread from touching something with flu viruses on it, then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in children?
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those seen in regular flu and include fever, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.
Can other infections cause symptoms seen in swine flu?
Yes. Other viral and bacterial infections can cause symptoms similar to the flu. Many children who are sick with fever and cough in San Diego do not have swine flu.
What precautions can I take to prevent my child from becoming sick?
- Wash your child’s hands especially before eating.
- Avoid other people who are sick.
Should I send my child to school or daycare?
There are currently no recommendations from the health department to keep children out of school or daycare. The health department will notify the public if any schools close due to swine flu.
What do I do if my child becomes sick?
- If your child develops symptoms of mild fever and sore throat or cough, treat them as you normally would with fluids and rest. If your child’s symptoms worsen or you are worried, call your physician.
- Symptoms in your child that require medical attention include:
- 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 cough
- Fever with a rash - Do not send your child to school or daycare if they are ill.
- Have your child cover his or her mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Handwashing is important to prevent spread of any infection to others.
- Children and adults suspected of having influenza should stay at home for at least 7 days from the start of symptoms.
- For More Information, see: Swine Influenza Virus (H1N1):Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home CDC
If my child is sick, should he or she get treatment for influenza?
People with mild forms of influenza get better without treatment. If your child is sick and your doctor believes he or she has influenza, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication called oseltamivir or zanamivir. These medications will not have any effect on viruses other than influenza.
H1N1 Questions and Answers from Ben Metcalf on Vimeo.
Informacion sobre la Gripe H1N1 (gripe porcina) from Ben Metcalf on Vimeo.