Practical tips for parents on H1N1 and seasonal flu infections

Sep 14 2009

With the early onset of flu season coinciding with the start of school this year, concern about the flu, and in particular the H1N1 strain of the flu, is growing among parents. Experts from The Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colo., can offer a pediatric perspective on all types of flu, including H1N1, also known as swine flu. These experts offer practical advice on how parents can help protect their families from the flu, as well as what to do should their children get sick.

The Children’s Hospital’s flu experts include:

Ann-Christine Nyquist, M.D.: The Children’s Hospital’s medical director of infection control. She is an expert in immunizations, antimicrobial utilization and resistance and hospital epidemiology/infection control.

Roberta Smith, R.N., M.S.P.H.: An infection control nurse in The Children’s Hospital’s department of epidemiology.

James K. Todd, M.D.: The director of epidemiology for The Children's Hospital. Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatrics and infectious diseases, he has served on numerous committees of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Dr. Todd is also a champion of immunizations for children and has worked to alleviate the public’s fears around them.

Mary (Mimi) P. Glodé, M.D.: The section head of infectious diseases for the Department of Pediatrics at The Children’s Hospital. Dr. Glodé has participated in numerous national advisory committees for the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. One of her major areas of scientific interest includes the development of new pediatric vaccines.

Each one of these experts can speak to all aspects of this year’s flu season, including the following H1N1-related topics:

• Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine – safety and effectiveness
• Groups at high risk for contracting H1N1
• Preventing the spread of H1N1
• Symptoms of H1N1
• Guidelines for caring for a child with H1N1
• How The Children’s Hospital is preparing to respond to H1N1
• Talking to your child about H1N1

As with seasonal flu, H1N1 is a viral respiratory infection. The main symptoms are a cough, sore throat, runny nose and fever. If you don’t have a fever, you don’t have H1N1. Usually the flu involves more muscle pain, headache, fever and chills than seen with the common cold. Parents who suspect their child may have influenza should call their pediatrician or primary care provider for advice.

All strains of flu, including swine flu, are spread by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. Practicing good hygiene is the best precaution to take to avoid the spread of influenza. Specific tips parents should share with children to avoid the spread of germs include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• When you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as this is how germs are spread
• If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and limit contact with others until they are gone

Additional information regarding the flu can be found on The Children’s Hospital Web site at www.thechildrenshospital.org/flu. Information specific to H1N1 is available at www.thechildrenshospital.org/H1N1.