H1N1 FAQ

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 “swine” flu? 

H1N1 usually presents with a fever (over 100.4 temperature), cold symptoms (cough, runny nose), headache and generalized fatigue and “achiness”. The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the seasonal flu, and similar to other typical cold viruses in the winter.

What should I do if I think my child may have the H1N1 flu?

If your child is under two years old, or has any chronic health problem (such as: asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, etc): your child is considered “high risk” for influenza complications.

Please call the office if he or she has a temperature over 100.4 and any of the other early signs of influenza (listed below) to discuss the best treatment options for your child.

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

If your child is healthy, over 2 years old, with no other chronic health problems: he or she is considered “low risk” for influenza complications. For your child, the best treatment for H1N1, or for any other virus, is caring for your child at home with plenty of fluids, rest, motrin or Tylenol, etc. 


My child is “low risk”, but when should I contact my doctor? 
Are you testing for “swine flu” at the office?

No.   Currently at our office, we are testing for TYPE A/ TYPE B influenza in certain situations. If your child tests positive for Type A flu, it is possible that he or she has the H1N1 strain (in fact, at this time of the year, it is pretty likely that they do have the H1N1 flu). If your child tests negative, it is still possible that he or she has influenza (the test isn’t 100% accurate). Only a few labs in the state are testing for H1N1 strain, and this is only to track the disease so researchers know how many people are contracting the disease and what areas have the highest prevalence of the disease. Knowing if you child has H1N1 or simply Type A flu will not change our treatment for your child. 

What is Tamiflu and does my child need it? 

Tamiflu is an anti-viral medication that is used to help shorten the duration of influenza illness and help lessen the severity of symptoms. It does not “cure” influenza. Tamiflu is most effective if given within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The CDC recommendations are to give Tamiflu to only a select group of individuals with suspected or confirmed influenza. The individuals in this group are high risk children: children with a chronic health complication (including asthma), children under two years old, and pregnant women or women up to 2 weeks postpartum. 

Why can’t every child receive Tamiflu?

Overuse of Tamiflu can lead to shortages and drug resistance. The immune system of a healthy child is usually able to fight influenza with no medication, and for most children H1N1 is a very mild illness. For most healthy children with no risk factors, management at home is the best treatment. Your child’s doctor will decide if Tamiflu is necessary for your child. 

Are you recommending the H1N1 vaccine?

Yes. We are recommending the H1N1 vaccine for all children and adolescents age 6 months and older. All pregnant women, and parents and family members of children under 6 months (or children unable to be vaccinated for some reason) should be sure to be vaccinated so as not to spread the disease to their child.  

Is the H1N1 vaccine safe? (“But it hasn’t been tested yet… it’s new…”) 

Yes, we believe the H1N1 vaccine is safe and we are recommending it to all our eligible patients. The H1N1 is a “new” strain of the flu, but the vaccine is made exactly the same way the seasonal flu is made each year (in the same factories, with the same base components). When the seasonal flu is made, researchers and scientists isolate the three or four most popular strains of flu of the last influenza season. So, every seasonal flu vaccine is technically a “new” vaccine, and the H1N1 vaccine is really no more new than each year’s seasonal flu vaccine. 

Does my child need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine? 

If your child is less than 10 years old, he or she will need 2 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Similarly to the first time your child received the seasonal influenza vaccine, a second dose will give your child more immunity against the disease. 

How can I protect my family?
  • Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth (germs on the hands can spread this way)
  • Try to avoid close contact (within three feet) with sick people
  • Try to avoid unnecessary visits to the ER and urgent care centers because those are the places where you are more likely to be exposed to H1N1
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol based hand cleansers are also effective.
  • Get the H1N1 vaccine when available.

If you or your child are sick...
  • Try to limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing
  • Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
  • Stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.


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What about face masks? 

Face masks may reduce the risk of getting swine flu in crowded settings, if the flu becomes prevalent. However, at the present time, face masks are not needed in the U.S. for healthy people. Avoiding known sick individuals and frequent hand washing are more effective ways to prevent against contracting H1N1. Sick children should wear a face masks, however, if they must leave their home to seek medical care.

If you have ANY concerns or questions about your child’s illness, call our office to discuss your child’s symptoms with a doctor or nurse.


Written by Meghan Walsh, NP. October 20, 2009