Some Info Regarding Influenza A

What is Influenza A(H1N1)?
Influenza A(H1N1) is a highly contagious type of flu, with symptoms similar to seasonal flu. The H1N1 virus is called swine flu because it is thought to originate from pigs. 

How does Influenza A(H1N1) spread?

Influenza A(H1N1) spreads in the same way as other flu viruses, through droplets from the coughs and sneezes of people who are infected. H1N1 spreads easily, particularly in enclosed spaces where there is close contact between people. In spite of its name, you cannot catch swine flu from eating or preparing pork. 

What are the symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1)?

Influenza A(H1N1) affects people differently. Most people who catch the virus have only mild symptoms, but some people develop complications such as dehydration, pneumonia(an infection in the lungs) or difficulty breathing. 

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to ordinary flu:

• sudden fever;
• tiredness;
• sore throat;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• headache;
• muscle and joint pain.
• 
  

H1N1 flu can also cause:

• acute abdominal pain;
• diarrhoea
• vomiting.

A fever caused by H1N1 flu can be very high. If your child has H1N1 flu his fever could go above 39 degrees C, which is more than two degrees above his normal body temperature. Call your doctor for advice if your child:

• has a high fever;
• is sleepy;
• doesn't want to interact;
• has lost his appetite.

Children with more severe cases of H1N1 flu sometimes experience symptoms such as:

• extreme agitation;
• trouble breathing;
• discoloured or wrinkly skin
• fits.

If your child has any of these symptoms, contact your family doctor, paediatrician or local hospital immediately. 

What should I do if my child shows symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1)?

Call your doctor and describe your child's symptoms, including how high their temperature is. Tell her how old your child is and whether he, or anyone else in your household, has any other health problems. The virus is very contagious, so your doctor may prefer to provide you with a diagnosis over the phone. 

Is there any treatment for Influenza A(H1N1)?

If your doctor confirms that your child has Influenza A(H1N1), you should keep him at home and treat his symptoms like any other cold or flu. Make sure he gets lots of rest and give him plenty to drink to keep him well hydrated. If he is breastfed, offer him breastmilk, and formula or cooled boiled water if he usually has formula milk. If your child eats solid food, encourage him to eat if he feels like it. 

Try your best to control his fever by cooling him down with a fan or tepid sponge. You might also want to give him infant paracetamol suspension to reduce his fever. Follow the directions on the packet and never exceed the stated dose. 

There is no cure for H1N1 flu, but antiviral drugs will relieve the symptoms and help your child to recover faster. For antivirals to be effective, treatment needs to start within 48 hours of the symptoms developing. 

Info from - www.babycenter.com.my