Is It H1N1 Or Just A Cold?

Are you as frustrated as I am with all the misinformation regarding this years flu season? Are you finding it hard to figure out what the difference between H1N1, a cold and the regular flu are?

Well, let me break it down for you:

You will notice that the two symptoms that are different are Fever and Stomach Issues. As you can see, H1N1 is the only of there illnesses that manifests with stomach issues. These issues might include diarrhea, and or/ vomiting. In a case of H1N1, fevers are usually very high and difficult to control. In fact, this is one of the reasons that treatment is so important. It is important to realize that people do not actually die from H1N1 infections, but rather as a result of complications. The most common complications are severe dehydration, febrile seizures (in babies and children) and pneumonia. Sever dehydration, in H1N1 afflicted persons is a result of the diarrhea and/or vomiting, as this leaches all the water from your system, as well as the intense sweating that results from the high grade fever. Febrile seizures only occur in babies and young children. When a child’s fever reaches or exceeds 102 degF, there is a chance that they can have severe convulsions and possibly lose consciousness. They usually only happen in the first day of the fever but can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system. Pneumonia is the result of the infection taking over the small sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. Once the infection reaches the lungs it can be very difficult for fight off.

In truth, H1N1 is just another form of the flu that has taken the general population by surprise. The best thing you can do for your self and you family is be vigilant about your preventative measures. These include proper hand washing, sneezing/coughing into your elbow, healthy diet full of vitamins, and cleaning public surfaces before touching (ie. Shopping cart handle, table, chairs, etc.).  If it is possible and advised by your doctor, get a flu shot and an H1N1 shot. If you are not able to get either of these shots, you are not alone. There is a great deficit in the number of shots available. This is when good mothering comes into play. If you child “seems” to be sick, be a little overprotected this season. If you walk into the library for story time and you see a kid with a runny nose, skip story time for that day. And treat each symptom as is appropriate for the age of your child. Ultimate if you are unsure, get to the doctor’s office.