| Does your child have the H1N1 flu? |
|
By: LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer
|
Posted: Monday, November 2, 2009 8:33 am
|
 Email  Print
|
Muscle aches, a temperature of at least 101 degrees and a runny nose might be signs a child has the H1N1flu since the seasonal flu hasn’t arrived yet.
Parents can treat children with the flu at home with children’s Tylenol or Motrin if the children appear well, drink fluids and don’t have any underlying health problems such as diabetes, asthma or heart problems, said Dr. Libby Long of Tennessee Pediatrics.
Confusion exists over children having the flu with a temperature of 99 degrees. Parents shouldn’t worry about the high temperature if the child looks well.
“Most children don’t need to come to the doctor,” Dr. Long said, recommending parents use their gut feelings about seeking medical care.
Children should see a pediatrician if they have those underlying health problems with the flu or if they experience trouble breathing, chest pains, can’t speak if they are the age to talk, refrain from drinking fluids or if the skin color doesn’t look healthy.
Don’t take a child to the emergency room unless it’s necessary, she said. Children who go to the emergency room will be exposed to sick people and may leave being exposed to the flu. Use common sense.
Dr. Long gave several recommendations when treating children:
• Do not use aspirin to treat children unless directed by the doctor because aspirin use could damage a child’s liver.
• Follow the directions on administering Tylenol and Motrin.
“Giving too much Tylenol definitely can cause harm,” Dr. Long said.
• Don’t double dose with two types of cough medicine.
• Avoid giving children baths with rubbing alcohol to drop the fever. The alcohol may be absorbed into the skin and drop the child’s blood sugar dangerously low.
To prevent the flu, Dr. Long highly recommended taking the vaccine.
Rutherford County Health Department, located at 100 W. Burton St., will offer H1N1 injectable vaccines Monday and Tuesday. No appointment is necessary to receive the vaccine. The H1N1 flu vaccine will be provided at no charge.
The vaccine is recommended for children older than 6 months old.
Children may also try to ward off the flu by using common sense. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, the time it takes to sing the alphabet or “Happy Birthday.”
Alcohol-based sanitizers are fine. Allow hands to air dry.
“If you cough, cover your mouth with your elbow rather than your hand,” Dr. Long said. “Wipe your nose with a tissue and throw it away. Try not to touch your eyes and nose.”
People coughing, sneezing or touching a surface that can hold the virus up to eight hours and another person touching their eyes or nose spread the flu.
“Frankly, there’s a fair amount of luck involved,” Dr. Long said.
Children are generally contagious about 24 hours before they get sick and may be sick five to seven days. The Center for Disease Control suggests staying away from regular activities for 24 hours without a fever and without Tylenol and Motrin.
Although it could be a financial strain to keep children home, parents should not send the children back to school early. Children should be kept inside if sick.
Parents may obtain more information by consulting the CDC Web site at CDC.com.
Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
Login and voice your opinion!
|
Digg
Facebook
MySpace
Yahoo!