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.
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"Another 22 children died from the flu this past week, at least 19 of them confirmed to be H1N1."
How many of those who died got a flu shot or the nasal mist?
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.
If 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?
If 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.
Higley 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.