Influenza

H1N1: Swine flu deaths rise, as does the worry. When should you or your sick child go to an ER?

Buckle up. This is getting to be a really bumpy ride.

As the H1N1 flu, also known as the swine flu, continues to spread through our schools and workplaces, conflicting information can almost paralyze us. We worry about the safety of the vaccine, especially for our children; but we worry more about the shortage of it. We listen to a sick child’s labored breathing, and wonder if she is better off at home or in the emergency room, surrounded by other sick people. The CDC announces a rise in H1N1 deaths, and all we can do is wash our hands some more.

Here’s a roundup of the situation as it exists today, Nov. 2. If you’ve got other questions that I don’t answer here, please add them in the Comments section below,

Pregnancy and H1N1: A primer on swine flu FAQs, the vaccine, your body and your baby

Here’s how worried the Centers for Disease Control is about the H1N1 flu in pregnant women: It is the very first thing you see on their home page, above all other diseases and conditions. Clicking on the words “H1N1 and pregnancy” takes you to a page filled with information. Prominently displayed in bold type is this caution: