Controlling infection and avoiding panic with this years "new" flu

The Center for Disease Control { CDC} is recommending precautionary measures specifically related to the prevention of the spread of the influenza H1N1 {swine flu. } " To prevent is better than cure. To inform is better than to diagnose" With this in mind, this is a review of the signs and symptoms of swine flu, and the critical warning signs; alerting you to when you should seek urgent medical attention.

Along with the arrival of the flu each year is the heralded recommendations on how to care for ourselves, our children and our elderly parents. This year we are all challenged to be prepared to meet a flu that may have some additional risks for part of our population. It is essential that we all seriously participate in infection control practices that are essential to preventing the spread of the swine flu.

The H1N1 virus is a new virus that most of us do not have immunity to . That is why it has the ability to spread from person to person and cause a global outbreak .{ pandemic }

Those at greatest risk:

Pregnant women

Children under two years of age

People with chronic illness, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or immunosuppression

Adults or children with obesity

It has been recommended by the CDC that day care centers do daily health checks on children. Separate children with respiratory infections until they can go home. Children should be kept at home until they are free from fever and cough for 24 hours.

Most often children with runny noses or a cough will not have swine flu. The more common cause is fall allergies. Or a cold with a low grade fever. For lingering runny nose or cough, sore throat and fever. It is recommended that they are assessed by a physician and checked for a strep throat infection. There are anti-flu medications for high risk children.

People with the swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they begin to get sick with the Swine Flu symptoms.

Like seasonal flu, symptoms of the swine flu:

fever may be present or absent

runny or stuffy nose

sore throat

body aches

headache

fatigue or extreme tiredness

diarrhea and vomiting

Anytime children are ill parents need to monitor them for changes that may indicate a rapid progression into more serious complications. A parent should be proactive in the pursuit of medical care.

* Urgent medical attention for children with emergency warning signs :

Flu like symptoms that return

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