H1N1 Novel (Swine) Flu

Current Information


We are out of all forms of H1N1 vaccine.

The most up-to-date websites and documents are:

Minnesota Department of Health
Includes basic information and links to other websites.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Hotline for the Public through the Minnesota Department of Health is: 1-866-259-4655

The Minnesota Department of Health continues to work with healthcare Providers, laboratories, local public health, and other partners to prepare and respond to this situation.

H1N1 Education


Definition
H1N1 Influenza is a viral infection of the nose, throat, windpipe, and bronchi. The main symptoms are a cough, sore throat, runny nose and fever. Usually there's more muscle pain, headache, fever and chills than seen with the common cold.

Cause
Flu is caused by the H1N1 virus. It started in March 2009 and by June had spread to most of the world (a pandemic). After exposure (close contact), 20% of people come down with symptoms in 4 to 6 days.

Diagnosis
How to know that your child has H1N1 Flu

If H1N1 Flu is widespread in your community and your child has flu symptoms with a fever, then he or she probably has H1N1 Flu. You don't need to get any special tests. You don't need to call or see your child's doctor, unless your child is HIGH-RISK (see #6) or develops a possible complication of the flu (see the "Call your child's doctor" section).

How to Treat H1N1 Flu
The treatment of H1N1 Flu depends on your child's main symptoms. It's no different from treating symptoms of the common cold. So far the rate of complications is no higher than with regular Seasonal Flu. Bed rest is not necessary. Antibiotics are not helpful.

  1. Fever or aches
    Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for fever or for pain. Children and adolescents who have influenza should never take aspirin.
  2. Cough
    For children over age 6, you may give cough drops. If your child is over 1 year of age, you may give honey (1/2 to 1 teaspoon as needed). Never give honey to babies. If honey is not available, you can use corn syrup. Drugstore cough medicines are not as helpful as honey. Also, they are not approved for children under 6 years old.
  3. Sore throat
    Tylenol or ibuprofen is very helpful for throat pain. Children over 6 years old can suck on hard candy. Children over 1 year old can sip warm chicken broth or other warm liquids.
  4. Stuffy or blocked nose
    Saline (or warm-water) nose drops followed by suction (or nose blowing) will open most blocked noses. Use these "nasal washes" whenever your child can't breathe through the nose. You can buy saline spray without a prescription. Saline nose drops can also be made by adding 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) of table salt to 1 cup (8 oz or 240 ml) of warm water. Use 2 or 3 drops at a time.
  5. Antiviral medicine (such as Tamiflu)
    The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend antiviral medicines be considered only for HIGH-RISK children (see #6) who come down with H1N1 Flu symptoms. Most LOW-RISK children with Swine Flu do not need antiviral medicine unless they develop serious symptoms (such as pneumonia). Antiviral medicines must be started within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms to have an effect. They usually reduce the time your child is sick only by 1 or 2 days. They improve the symptoms but do not eliminate them. If you have other questions about antiviral medicine, talk with your healthcare provider.
  6. HIGH-RISK children for complications
    The following children are at higher risk for complications from H1N1 Flu: lung disease (such as asthma), heart disease (such as a congenital heart disease), weakened immune system (such as cancer), diabetes, sickle cell disease, kidney disease, diseases requiring long-term aspirin therapy, other chronic diseases, pregnant teens, or young children less than 2 years old.
  7. Expected Course
    The fever lasts at least 2 to 3 days and possibly as long as 5 to 6 days, the runny or stuffy nose 1 to 2 weeks, and the cough 2 to 3 weeks.

Prevention of H1N1 Flu

  • H1N1 Flu vaccine
    When the H1N1 Flu vaccine becomes available, get family members protected if they are in one of the priority groups. Children need to be over 6 months old to get the vaccine.
  • Preventing Spread to Others
    The virus is spread by sneezing, coughing, and hand contact. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wash the hands frequently. Stay home when sick. Your child may return to child care or school after the fever is gone for at least 24 hours. (CDC)

Call your child's doctor Now (night or day) if:

  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • Breathing becomes difficult or fast
  • Dehydration occurs (no urine in 12 hours, dry mouth, no tears)

Call your child's doctor during the day if:

  • Your think your child needs to be seen
  • Your child is in the HIGH RISK group and has flu symptoms
  • Earache or sinus pain occurs
  • Fever lasts more than 3 days
  • Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
  • Your child becomes worse

Author: Barton D. Schmitt MD, Denver, CO. Copyright 2009. Revised 8-26-2009
Modified with permission 9-12-2009, Wayzata Children's Clinic