Parents | H1N1/Swine Flu Information Center

While anyone can have complications from H1N1 flu, some children are at increased risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, or death from H1N1 flu. It is important parents of these children call and talk to their child’s healthcare provider early if the child develops fever and respiratory symptoms, for sometimes they need special medications, called antivirals:

Children under the age of 5, especially those under the age of 2

Pregnant girls

Children with underlying health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), cancer, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders and weakened immune systems

Children who take long term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome).

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How do I protect my child?

The first line of defense for children is to vaccinate the caregiver and the child as soon as it the H1N1/Swine Flu vaccine is available. Until your child has been vaccinated, protect them by practicing the following prevention steps:

Practice frequent and proper hand washing. Proper washing includes lathering and scrubbing for 20 seconds. This can be measured by singing “happy birthday” twice. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Sneeze or cough into a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. If no tissues are available, teach your child to sneeze into their elbow or shoulder.

Teach your child to avoid touching their face, especially their mouth, nose and eyes. These are the ways the H1N1/Swine Flu can enter their body.

Disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. Use a regular household disinfectant to clean doorknobs, countertops, tabletops, etc.

Avoid exposing your child to people who are feeling ill.

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What if my child becomes sick?

If you have a child under the age of five, or a child who has an underlying medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, or a neurological condition who becomes sick, call and ask a healthcare provider if they should be examined and or if they need antivirals. Because these groups are at high risk for complications, it is important to discuss the situation with a healthcare provider early after symptom onset and to watch them closely.

Otherwise healthy children who have mild flu like illness usually do not need to see a healthcare provider and usually don’t need antivirals. See Treating Flu, both Seasonal and H1N1.

See When to Seek Medical Care for Possible Flu

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Can my child have complications?

Whether your child is in a high-risk group or perfectly healthy, they can have complications due to the H1N1/Swine Flu. If you see any of the following signs, call or take your child to the doctor immediately:

fast breathing or trouble breathing

not drinking fluids

bluish or gray skin color

difficult to wake or not responsive

irritable to the point of avoiding being held

flu symptoms improve, then return with fever and increased cough

If your child is not getting better or is sicker than you would expect with a flu like illness, call your health care provider for advice or take them to see a healthcare provider.

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How long should I keep my child home from school or daycare?

Your child should be kept home until he has been fever-free off of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.

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