H1N1:  Not Time to Panic
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We are pleased to announce that we have just started to receive H1N1 vaccine.  Unfortunately, it is only trickling in, so for now, we are prioritizing our highest risk patients and families to receive the vaccine.  Our offices will be calling families to bring patients in to administer the vaccine.  As we receive more, hopefully we will have enough to run clinics.   So far we have only received the injectable vaccine - no nasal vaccine.   Please continue to watch the emails for news.

 

The truth of the matter is, is that many people have very different views of the H1N1 virus.  Some people are of the mindset that this is just kind of like the regular flu and "I never have and never will get a flu vaccine - my body should be able to fight it off".  Others think that they are putting themselves at extreme risk if they are unable to get the vaccine.  Yet others are worried that the vaccine itself is dangerous.  

 

We have estimated that approximately 1 :13,000 children will die from H1N1 at the very most (given current data).  It may be much less because many people don't go to their healthcare provider when they have flu symptoms and many people with H1N1 have had mild disease.  That said, we recommend the H1N1 flu vaccine when it is available.  As providers, most of us have received this vaccine.  We believe it is safe and we will give it to our children as well.  We know that there are some people who will feel that their child is high risk and are wondering why they haven't received the vaccine.  We only received a limited amount and are doing our best to prioritize the way it is given. 

 

For most of us, the flu will be a self-limited disease which requires rest, Tylenol or Morin, and plenty of fluids - nothing more.  Typical flu symptoms are temp over 101 (may be as high as 103-105), muscle aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat and sometime nausea and vomiting.  It is unlikely your child has Strep throat if they have cough, however, if you are concerned we encourage you to pickup one of our home strep tests to do at home.  The fever associated with the flu often lasts 3-5 days and  the cough will last  a couple weeks.  If fever is greater than 5 days, the fever goes away for 24 hours and then comes back, increased work of breathing, or dehydration develop we would want to see you in the office.  If you just have the typical symptoms of the flu we encourage you to stay home and take care of yourselves with the aforementioned measures.  Children who are fever free for 24 hours may return to school. 

 

Children at higher risk from the flu include those with moderate to severe asthma and other lung problems, heart or neurological conditions, metabolic disorders,  any child on immunosuppression, or any child on aspirin therapy.  Also pregnant women seem to be more at risk.  If your child or any one in your immediate family falls into any of these categories, we encourage you to call early in the course of the illness to discuss treatment options such as Tamiflu.

 

Please be patient with us - we are likely to have increased call volume and visit volume throughout the next several months.   We will continue to provide emails as to when more vaccine is available.  We now have a telephone message about flu vaccine availability which will be updated daily. 

 

Remember to wash your hands, cough in your elbows and stay home if you are not feeling well. 

 

Think Healthy Thoughts!!!!