With over 16,700 cases now recorded in Australia (47 deaths) and the news from the Australian medical board that over 70% of influenza cases are now of the N1H1 (swine flu) strain, it’s no wonder that parents are concerned about what this means for their children.
Fears about the capacity of the health system to cope with a surge in cases of children struck down with swine flu have been raised time and time again as figures show that the pandemic doesn’t appear to be losing pace.
Given that it’s been all over the news, Practicing Parents felt a duty of care to gather the facts and present them in a “no nonsense” and easy to understand format. We hope you find this helpful.
What’s the difference between swine flu and “normal” flu?
Practically speaking, swine flu is not all that different from seasonal flu in symptoms and treatment. In reality, there are many different strains of influenza (the flu). The problem is that the hype surrounding swine flu has caused a lot of panic, although it’s still the flu – a term that doesn’t cause much alarm on its own, even though each year seasonal influenza kills and hospitalizes many victims.
“Swine flu” refers to any flu virus endemic in pigs, but the strain behind this year’s international outbreak is a mutation which allows animal to human, and human to human, transmission – and that is the most worrying point. If the virus is able to mutate faster than doctors and scientists can keep up with, then there is serious cause for concern. We are not at that stage yet.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza Division, says that the symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include:
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fever
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cough
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sore throat
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body aches
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headache
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chills
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fatigue
Like seasonal flu, swine flu infection can be fatal and it’s best to be on the lookout for these and other symptoms in young children. According to the CDC, warning signs that young children in particular need urgent medical attention include:
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Fast breathing or trouble breathing
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Bluish skin color
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Not waking up or not interacting
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Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
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Fever with a rash
Who is at risk from swine flu?
What is known is that children between the ages of 5 and 14 are so far proving particularly susceptible to contracting swine flu. Nobody knows why this is specifically the case and the effects are the same no matter what the age of the patient. However, in babies and children parents should keep a careful look out for symptoms such as lethargy, tiredness or difficulty waking up. If these occur then you should consult your doctor immediately.
How can parents protect children from swine flu?
Similar to seasonal flu, swine flu is thought to be spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. That means that exercising common sense and practicing good hygiene are the best ways to help keep your child safe. Here are three common sense guidelines:
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Minimize exposure. If your child is sick, take him or her out of school and keep them home. If in doubt, consult with your pediatrician before sending your child off to school.
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Wash up. Families with children should be extra fastidious with hand-washing. By keeping clean and promoting a sterile environment, you are doing the best you can to keep the bug at bay. Make sure you wash with a sterilizing fluid or a good soap.
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Cover mouths when coughing or sneezing. Using your hands is common practice, but you are better off with a tissue or handkerchief. If you (or your kids) do use your hands, make sure to wash them thoroughly as quickly as possible.
In summary
Although new mutations of the influenza virus are alarming, there isn’t a lot of evidence that shows children are currently at high risk. Parents shouldn’t be particularly worried, but should focus on hygiene and keep an eye out for some of the tell-tale symptoms. If you do see flu symptoms such as sore throat, headache, fever, or body aches and pains, go and see your doctor.
More Information about swine flu
