H1N1 flu (swine flu)

Updated May 26, 2009

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Public Hotline: 1.866.331.9191. This hotline is for the general public seeking information, advice and guidance about H1N1 flu (swine flu). The calls will be answered by health care professionals. Hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

H1N1 is a type of influenza (flu) virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread between people. Most people infected with this virus in the United States tend to have mild disease, similar to the regular seasonal flu. As is typical with any flu, some people develop more severe illness leading to death. Each year, about 36,000 people in the United States die from the regular seasonal flu, on average. As with regular seasonal flu, children under 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease may be at higher risk for complications from this infection. There are steps you can take to protect your family and to know when to seek medical care. To see a listing of resources on H1N1 flu in other languages (including Chinese, Arabic, Russian and others), please visit the Office of Minority Health Web site athttp://www.omhrc.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=192.

What are the symptoms?

In most children, the symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular flu. They include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea.

Is the H1N1 flu (swine flu) more dangerous than regular flu?

So far cases in the U.S. have been mild and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said this flu virus does not seem to be as dangerous as earlier feared. The typical clinical course of H1N1 flu appears to be no more severe than the regular seasonal flu.

Do I need to get my child tested?

Testing is only recommended if symptoms are serious enough to require hospitalization.

What should I do if my child has fever and other flu symptoms and I’m worried it’s “swine flu” (H1N1)?

Public health officials suggest that you consider H1N1 flu as you would any other kind of flu and do what you would normally do when your child has the flu. Keep your child at home for seven days, starting from the appearance of flu symptoms, or until he/she gets better, whichever is longer. If your child’s symptoms get more severe, call your pediatrician.

What are the severe flu symptoms in children that require going to the emergency room?

If you have a medical emergency then take your child to the nearest emergency room. According to the CDC, if your child experiences any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that he or she does not want to be held
Not urinating or no tears when crying
Symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

My child has another illness that affects immunity and has fever and other flu symptoms, what I should I do?

Do what you would normally do when your child has the flu. Keep your child at home for seven days, starting from the appearance of flu symptoms, or until he/she gets better, whichever is longer. If you have concerns about your child’s health, contact your pediatrician or specialist for advice.

My child has the sniffles and I’m worried it’s the start of “swine flu.” What should I do?

Continue to watch your child for the increasing development of fever, cough, and other flu symptoms. If your child develops a fever, public health officials suggest that you do what you would normally do when your child has the flu. Keep your child at home for seven days or until he/she gets better, whichever is longer. If your child’s symptoms get more serious, then call your pediatrician.

I’m hearing about a drug called Tamiflu in the news. Does my child need it and if so how do I get it?

Tamiflu may be prescribed to patients who have the flu. Your doctor will determine if your child needs it.

My child might have been exposed at school, but has no flu-like symptoms, what should I do? Should I keep him out of school?

No, you should not keep your child out of school.

One of my family members is sick with flu-like symptoms; do I need to keep my child out of school? Does my whole family need treatment?

If your child is not sick, then he/she can continue going to school. Family members who are not sick do not need treatment. Flu viruses spread from person to person mainly through the coughing or sneezing of a sick person. Flu virus may also be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. The best thing you can do to ensure other family members do not get sick is to limit contact with the sick person as much as possible, so as not to spread the illness to others.

What can I do to protect against getting the H1N1 flu?

For now, there is no vaccine available to protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with the flu, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

My child has an outpatient appointment at Children’s Memorial. Do I need to cancel?

Please keep your appointment unless your child is sick. If you need to cancel, please call to reschedule. Remember that if your child has fever AND other flu symptoms, he/she will need to stay home for seven days, starting from the appearance of flu symptoms, or until symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.

My child might have been exposed at school. Do I need to cancel an appointment at Children’s Memorial?

Unless your child is sick, there is no need to miss your appointment. If you need to cancel please call to reschedule.

Do I need a doctor’s note to get my child back to school after being out sick?

The Chicago Public Schools are NOT requiring a note from your doctor for your child to return to school. If you live outside of Chicago, contact your school to see what it requires.

Can I get “swine flu” (H1N1 flu) from eating or preparing pork?

No. H1N1 flu viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

For a national perspective on H1N1 flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site.