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,
and we'll get those answered for you as well.
The CDC update on hospitalizations and deaths:
The Centers for Disease Control updates key flu indicators every week (see first web link, below). At the end of last week, the report noted that deaths associated with H1N1 and pneumonia has been higher than expected for four weeks now. Another 22 children died from the flu this past week, at least 19 of them confirmed to be H1N1. The total since April of pediatric flu deaths is now 126.
Hospitalizations are also higher than normal for this time of year, and the highest hospitalization rate is for children 0-4. And 48 states are reporting widespread flu activity right now – the only two that aren’t are Hawaii and South Carolina.
How do I know if I have H1N1?
There is a self-evaluation available at http://www.flu.gov/evaluation/ . It does not, of course, substitute for a doctor’s visit – what it does is give you an idea of the severity of your symptoms and whether you need to be seen by a doctor immediately. Questions are about fever, cough, chest pain, sore throat, etc. At the end the assessment gives you an idea of the immediacy with which you might need to seek a doctor’s opinion.
Where are the H1N1 flu shots?
If you click on the map at http://www.flu.gov/ you can get the latest information on when vaccines should be available in your area. You just click on your state, and can then click on your county.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment19 Comments
"Another 22 children died from the flu this past week, at least 19 of them confirmed to be H1N1."
November 2, 2009 - 9:19amHow many of those who died got a flu shot or the nasal mist?
This Comment
Anon,
This is a very good question, and the sources I have checked have not answered this. Since there have been delays and shortages in getting the vaccine manufactured and distributed, the assumption would be that these children hadn't had it, but that's only an assumption. (And sources are mixed on whether children need one or two shots).
What is known is that most people who have died from H1N1 (children and adults) have an underlying medical condition that aggravated the flu symptoms (for instance, asthma or a heart condition.) This may have played the largest role in how their bodies reacted to the virus.
November 3, 2009 - 8:50amIf a child has had a definite diagnosis of swine flu...does that child still need to be vaccinated? or is he/she protected at least for this year?
November 2, 2009 - 12:16pmIf you're absolutely certain that it was swine flu -- meaning that the child was tested and the that child's specimen was sent to a lab, analyzed and was determined to be H1N1 -- that child will be immune for this season. In future seasons, the virus may change and require new immunizations. However, experts are still recommending that most people who believe they've had the swine flu still get the vaccine, because flu-strain testing is not being routinely done for those with flu-like illnesses. It's not enough to have had a doctor say it was H1N1; only the lab test is definitive.
November 3, 2009 - 8:57amHigley Arizona (Phoenix area) teacher died of Swine Flu, confirmed! Died Oct 31 after month long illness forced her out on medical leave. Had asthma as underlying disease, reported. 51 yrs old!!! And it's not cold here yet.....90 degrees plus today!! We have been in widespread area for months.....what is our "Winter" season going to be like for the flu here I wonder. There have been many many cases of deaths here and even a huge outbreak in my own 300 house neighborhood in rural desert area that forced out HOA to please beg people who are ill not to give out Halloween candy or to participate in trick-or-treat events. School based immunizations began today for swine flu along with clinics and grocery store events that were reported this afternoon participation great and 2 hr waits mostly. Kinda hot to wait for 2 hrs if you are in the high risk groups though.
November 2, 2009 - 12:59pmSandraGene,
It's indeed a situation for concern. In October, Dr. Karen Lewis, medical director of the Arizona Department of Health Services Immunization Program, reported that there had been 39 deaths statewide since April. County statistics say that 95 percent of Maricopa County’s flu cases (which is where Phoenix is located) are H1N1.
It's important to remember that children, pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions (such as the Higley teacher's asthma) and health care workers are most vulnerable to this virus. If you're in that category, please make it a priority to get a vaccine.
November 3, 2009 - 9:04amI have three children. One had fever/cough/aches for three-four days but is now better and the other two now have very high temperatures (101 & 103). If I send the child who recovered back to school will he infect those around him or is it safe?
November 2, 2009 - 5:41pmAnon,
Great question. And the answer, of course, is a bit complicated.
The CDC says that if a child has been fever-free for 24 hours, they can resume normal activities. However, they continue to "shed" the virus for between 2-8 days after that. "Shedding" the virus doesn't mean the same thing as "being contagious," but it is something to be aware of.
Here's some more information about this:
http://www.empowher.com/community/share/children-can-shed-h1n1-flu-virus...
I am sure that within your household, you are making sure that the children don't share cups, glasses, silverware, toys or linens, and that they aren't kissing each other on the mouth. It is possible for the flu virus to live on a surface for a few hours, so there is a slight chance of your well child picking up the virus from a surface in the home and -- by touching another student or sharing a book, for instance -- to spread the virus. But it's a much much smaller rate of transmission than it would be normally.
November 3, 2009 - 9:13amI am definitely not an expert but am an experienced Mom of a now 30 yr old....and I was a medical assistant....I would think that if the recovered child is back up to par then he can go back to school without any worries of infecting anyone. If he doesn't have a fever especially. Make sure he is all better though or he may have a relapse if he is not 100%. Make sure he doesn't have a green mucousy nose or eyes, productive cough, earache and isn't sneezing all the time. Teach them to sing the Happy Birthday song or some little ditty while they wash their hands really good...means soap lather, warm water and actually rubbing the tops of hands too.
November 2, 2009 - 6:34pmThank you, Sandra! Great information from experienced moms is the best!
November 3, 2009 - 9:13am