What You Need to Know About H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
H1N1 flu (swine flu) is a viral respiratory infection with symproms similar to the seasonal flu. This virus was first detected in people in the U.S. in April 2009.The Children’s Hospital is monitoring the situation closely and making necessary preparations recommended by public health agencies.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of H1N1 similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal influenza . Adults and children may have fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Children may also have diarrhea and vomiting.
Get the answers to parents’ ten most frequently asked questions about H1N1 flu.
What do I do if my child has symptoms?
If you suspect your child may have influenza, call your pediatrician or primary care provider for advice.If your child has flu-like symptoms and is only mildly ill, it is best to care for him or her at home and limit contact with others. If you think your child has a viral infection, make sure they are getting plenty of fluids. Do not give your child aspirin or aspirin-containing products (Pepto-Bismol, for example). Treat their fever with Tylenol or Motrin. Read The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines for caring for a person with H1N1.
If your child exhibits more severe symptoms, contact your health care provider or seek urgent care or emergency care.
See all of The Children's Hospital Network of Care locations.
If you have questions about the swine flu you can also call the Colorado Health Information hotline at 1-877-462-2911 .
How can I prevent the flu?
Because this is a new strain of flu, seasonal flu shots do not protect people. Practicing good hygiene is the best precaution you can take in avoiding the spread of influenza. Swine flu is spread by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. In order to prevent the spread of germs, The CDC recommends:
- If you suspect your child has influenza, call your health care provider.
- You and your child should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- If your child doesn’t have a tissue, tell them to cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve, not their hands.
- Be sure you and your children clean their hands after coughing or sneezing, washing with soap and water, or with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Help your children avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, as this is how germs are spread.
- If your child has flu-like symptoms, keep them at home until symptoms are gone and limit contact with others.
Additional resources for swine flu information
KidsHealth articles on swine flu
Visitation Recommendations
The Children’s Hospital recommends that parents avoid bringing siblings of patients, or other children younger than 18 years of age, or other visitors into the hospital or to Network of Care (NOC) locations, if at all possible. To help ensure the health, safety, and protection of patients, families, and staff, The Children’s Hospital requests that visitation be limited to the two adult family caregivers at any one time.
For the media
The Children’s Hospital clinical experts are available to speak to the media regarding the current swine flu outbreak, specific to pediatrics. If you are interested in scheduling an interview, please page Children’s media pager and ask for Natalie and Elizabeth. (Media Pager 303-890-8314)
