Dear Parents,

As you may have been hearing in the news there is a higher than normal level of influenza like illness for this time of year.  Many of you have called our office with questions and concerns.  We apologize if it has been hard to call quickly into our office.  We will try to address some of your common concerns in the letter. 

Symptoms of the flu usually include fever of 100 or higher with cough and/or sore throat, body aches and headache.  Novel H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) may also be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.  Most of the flu that is being seen in Dallas County now is presumed to be Novel H1N1.  The CDC is recommending that physicians rely on clinical suspicion for diagnosis rather than testing for influenza because of the high incidence of false negatives reported with the H1N1 rapid flu test.  Regardless of the type of influenza, the treatment is the same.  Most people with influenza like symptoms may be treated at home with rest, fluids, and fever reducing medications.  The routine use of antiviral medications, like Tamiflu and Relenza is not being recommended.  The majority of children are fever free and feeling better within 3 – 5 days.

Certain groups are at risk for complications from the flu including:

Children under the age of 2 years

Pregnant women

Children ages 6 months – 24 years who have underlying chronic medical conditions, such as neuromuscular disease, asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and heart disease.

 In these cases the doctor may recommend beginning early antiviral treatment. 

The following suggestions can help to reduce the spread of Novel H1N1 and to help us all stay healthy:

• Do not send your child to school if they are sick – Those with flu like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs or a fever, without the use of fever reducing medicines.
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette- Wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible.  Cover noses and mouths with elbow or shirt sleeve when coughing or sneezing (if no tissue is available).  Wash hands before and after touching the face.
• What are considered severe symptoms?

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish or gray skin color

Dehydration

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms that improve then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

Thank you for bearing with us during this busy season.