Flu Facts - H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Information
The Children's Hospital wants to provide you with information and tools that will help you protect your family against the seasonal flu, colds and H1N1. Remember that the best way to protect yourself and your family is to take basic preventive measures such as washing your hands, covering your cough and getting your family vaccinated for the seasonal flu and H1N1. Check with your primary care provider about flu and H1N1 vaccine availability, or click here to find a flu clinic near you.
Watch our hand washing video with your children to learn the best way to keep your hands clean.
Download our influenza information handout - in English or en Espanol.
Cold vs. flu
See the diagram below for help determining if your child has a cold or the flu.
Seasonal flu
Influenza, commonly known as "the flu," is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. The flu is often confused with the common cold, but flu symptoms tend to develop quickly and are usually more severe than the typical sneezing and congestion of a cold. The main symptoms of the flu are a cough, sore throat and runny nose.
Learn more about the flu and its symptoms, flu shots and other ways to prevent the flu.
H1N1
H1N1 is a viral respiratory infection. The main symptoms are a cough, sore throat, runny nose and fever. Usually there’s more muscle pain, headache, fever and chills than seen with the common cold.
Get current information on H1N1 symptoms, prevention and the H1N1 vaccine.
Vaccinations
One of the best ways to protect your family from influenza and H1N1 is to get them vaccinated. Be sure to consult with your child's doctor about the 2009 vaccines for the flu and H1N1. Get the five facts you need to know about 2009 flu vaccinations.
Learn more information about who should vaccinated and where you can get vaccinated from the Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition. The Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (1-877-462-2911) can also help you find a flu shot clinic location near you.
My child is experiencing symptoms, when do I call my doctor?
If your child is experiencing influenza or H1N1 symptoms, it’s not always necessary to see or call your doctor. Below are some guidelines to help you decide when to call your family physician.
Call your child's doctor now (night or day) if:
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Breathing becomes difficult or fast
- Dehydration occurs (no urine in 12 hours, dry mouth, no tears)
- Your child has bluish skin color
- Your child is not waking up or not interacting
- Your child is being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash occurs
Call your child's doctor during the day if:
- Your think your child needs to be seen
- Your child is considered high risk and has flu symptoms
- Earache or sinus pain occurs
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
- Your child becomes worse
Avoid the spread of the flu
Influenza spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting influenza, keep your child at home for at least 24 hours after their fever has ceased without the use of fever-reducing medications. A fever is defined as 100ºF or 37.8ºC.
It is important to teach you children how to reduce their risk of getting influenza and protect others from infections by teaching to frequently clean their hands and to cover their coughs and sneezes.
Additional resources and information
