There are two major points for parents as the flu season approaches across North America.
First, the AAP has changed its guidelines for the “regular” seasonal flu that we all have come to expect every winter.
This year, the AAP recommends that ALL children over age six months be vaccinated against the flu. They say: “Annual trivalent seasonal influenza immunization is recommended for all children aged 6 months to 18 years of age.” Please check with your pediatrician about when this vaccine will be available in your area and how soon your children can receive it!
And second, the “new flu” or the “2009 H1N1” is already here! As Anne Schuchat, MD, Director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases writes, “The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus never went away this summer — it’s still around, and we need to pay attention… “
The news is full of stories about college campuses already hit hard with the H1N1 flu, but schools with younger children have already been affected, too. “The most recent increase in 2009 H1N1 influenza activity appears to be centered in the southeastern states, including Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. On September 4, 24 primary and secondary schools in Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee announced that they had sent home a total of 25,000 students with flu-like illness thought to be caused by the H1N1 strain.” I have no doubt that these numbers will climb steadily over the upcoming winter months!!
What can you do to protect your child? There are three answers here:
1. Vaccinate your child when the vaccine against H1N1 flu becomes available. Just approved by the FDA, this vaccine may be ready as soon as three weeks from now. It is expected that one shot will be all that is needed, and the first available vaccines will go to health care workers, pregnant women, and children. It is reassuring that Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has said: “We’ll get the vaccine out the door as fast as it rolls out the production line.” Keep an eye out at your pediatrician’s office about when the vaccine is ready!
2. Remember that all flu is spread via respiratory droplet. Therefore, the basics of hygiene are critically important:
a. Cover your mouth with your ELBOW when you sneeze or cough and teach your children to do the same.
b. Use Kleenex to blow your nose and throw the used tissues away.
c. Wash your hands before eating and when coming in from “the world”, ie the grocery store, the post office, preschool, etc.
d. Avoid sick playdates if possible and don’t send your child to school if she is sick!
3. Do NOT ask for or expect to be given antiviral medicine “just in case” you or your child gets sick. If you have (or your child has) a chronic illness which puts you at special risk, please discuss the appropriate use of antiviral medicine with your doctor. Note that Dr. Schuchat has said: “Antivirals are a critical part of our tool kit in countering influenza, both H1N1 and other strains. But a key point is that most children, adolescents, and adults do not need antiviral medication if they develop a flu-like illness. Giving these medications when they are not needed could actually make things worse by promoting viral resistance.”
I hope this helps and will update further as more news comes out. Sneeze safely and stay well!
Dr. Hippo
References:
1. http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/may09swineflu.htm
2. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/708580?sssdmh=dm1.526904&src=nldne&uac=138131HG
3. Aap@smartbrief. com September 14th