My baby has H1N1

Iysha - posted on 10/26/2009

Children that die from the H1N1 virus do so because of the respitory problems that can evolve from having the flu. If your baby isn't showing signs of any respiratory issues, then it will just take it's course and that will be it...signs of respiratory issues would be if your child looks like they are working extra hard to breathe (their stomach goes in way deep when they take a breath or they start wheezing (after 6 months). Don't give them anything sugary, sugar supresses the immune system and make sure they both are getting good nutrition.

Bekki - posted on 10/26/2009

Monitor the fever and give appropriate doses of motrin or tylenol to drop the fever.
People are freaking out about H1n1 but there really isn't that much of a cause for concern among the general population. The people that have died most of them had precipitating factors which is who are considered critical cases with h1n1. Children with respiratory issues or health problems to begin with are at risk for serious complications but if your child is otherwise healthy the likelyhood of your child having a complication are fairly low.
People really need to stop freaking out and remember that people die from the regular strains of flu every day and its considered normal, they die for the same reason people are dying with h1n1.. precipitating factors.. in the at risk catagory.. They will not admit your child thats a guarantee. If your child starts having breathing problems then take the child in and they MIGHT admit them but thats doubtful..

Amanda - posted on 10/25/2009

The swine flu actually attacks the lungs and clouds them up so there has been a lot of mis-diagnosed cases or they think that's what it is when it is really just first stages of swine flu...

Raynelle - posted on 10/24/2009

i am so sorry to hear that all you can do is pray for then and so will i

Noldy - posted on 10/24/2009

I am sorry that you have to go through this Heide. I think observe them, minimize the contact the two have, keep up on their liquids and make sure they don't get dehydrated. I am not sure how old they are, but if not too young they might have already gotten shots (immunizations) if you brestfed they have some of yours. If they are of age to eat food give them warm stuff that isn't to heavy so they won't vomit either. Keep them warm and if you think they are getting worse don't wait take them to the emergency room. Good luck and I will keep your family in my prays .

Bridgette - posted on 10/24/2009

FYI they can't give antibiotics for a virus. and flus are a virus. Bacteria based colds they can.

Bridgette - posted on 10/24/2009

Relax...as best as you can. and manage the symptoms by keeping the temp down and making sure the baby is breathing well. I seen on the news that if they seem to get better then get worse again take them back in bc another infection may be involved so keep that as note. I hear that the worse thing for this flu is the phlegm and breathing. Thats what you need to watch for pneumonia.

Lindsay - posted on 10/24/2009

most children that died from h1n1 had something wrong with them before they got the flu, like pnemonia or bronkitis.

Amanda - posted on 10/24/2009

Did they not give her any medicine for it??? I have heard of cases and they were prescribed some medicine for it and should try and stay away from as many people as you can for 24 hours while the medicine gets in there system..

Jessy - posted on 10/23/2009

The area I live in have been declared a disaster area and at this point parents are told not to bring their kids in to be tested. In addition to this the Tamiflu is only being perscribed to those individuals who have an underlying medical condition. Frankly we are being told to self medicate with fever reducer and keep a cold air humidifier in their rooms. If the they have severe trouble breathing then they should be seen at the hospitial...but remember that most cases are very mild and that children recover. Best wishes!

Roxie - posted on 10/23/2009

To Stevie Williams Thats funny because after my son got the flu the dr prescribed me with the Tamni-Flu and I didnt take it either.

Roxie - posted on 10/23/2009

My 4 year old son had the flu in Aug. He started out running a fever and coughing nonstop. I took him to his dr and he gave him some medicine. So on that Wednesday I took him to the ER and they did a swab of his nose and told me that he had the flu. They couldnt give him Tamni-Flu because it had already been 48 hours. Mind you not I drove 2 hours to the ER because the one where I stay I dont really like to take him there unless its an extreme emergency. Two days later which was that Friday I took him to the ER where I live and they ran tests and told me that he had the flu. That night they ended up airlifting him to the ER that I had taken him to on that Wednesday. When we got there he was on a regular floor and couldnt sleep because of the coughing and the nurses coming in and out the room. On that Sunday he had been coughing so bad until he started getting hoarse. They had given him breathing treatments for his asthma and IV fluids. They ended up calling the rapid response team to take him to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU). When I finally got the chance to see him they told me that he had a temp of 104. He was on the ventilator and had 5 IV's for different reasons. They also said that he had the flu and pneumonia at the same time which I didnt know that could happen. They had him paralyzed and sedated for a whole week. Then thats when the dr said that they now were considereing the flu as H1N1. On top of that they thought that he had a seizure, which is common for him and he also developed Acute Chest Syndrome, which is something that happens with kids who has sickle cell disease. By him having sickle cell disease he had to have platelets, 2 regular transfusions, and an exchange transfusion. The drs told me that he was very critical when he came in. His white blood cells was 80,000 which is really high. The norm is around 10,000-12,000. He spent a total of 17 days in the hospital. Last week he took the regular flu shot and on the 28th he will take the swine flu shot.

Amanda - posted on 10/23/2009

all three of my children have it and so does my brother and im a nurse so i kno what to keep my eyes open for keep the babies fever down using tylonol and motrin every four hours the drs r only giving medicine out to the most severe cases right now keep ur eyes open for the major compications signs like another infection like an ear infection then they can give antibiotics or if the baby is having trouble breathing or his/her skin takes a blueish tint also dehydration is a big thing force fluids as much as possible and keep track of how often the baby is going to the bathroom

Tracie - posted on 10/23/2009

Do as your doctor has said and watch her very very closely! If you notice ANY kind of change, and you are unsure, take her straight to the E.R. That is not something to play around with. You are her mom, and your mothers intuition will help you along. You are always right, when it comes to YOUR child! Good luck and I hope she is feeling better soon!

Bella - posted on 10/23/2009

there should be something the doctor can do. i mean there is a vaccine so they should have something to give. antibiotic or something. i am sry i hope ur babies will be ok!

Kelly - posted on 10/23/2009

i would ring the nhs helpline or go straight to a&e and tell them your concerns, its not worth risking their health, lots of cuddles too, hope they get better soon

Jayme - posted on 10/22/2009

That's crazy, I would definately take your baby to another doctor ASAP- don't let them play with her life like that, it's very serious!

Rebecca - posted on 10/22/2009

my nephew had it and they said just make sure he drnk lots of fluid and keep him hydrated hes 11months and hes fine now has a cold now but alot better

Savannah - posted on 10/22/2009

GO TO ANOTHER DOCTOR AND GET A SECOND OPINION! ALWAYS IN A CASE THAT CAN HAVE SUCH HARMFUL EFFECTS.

Krystal - posted on 10/22/2009

I think what the doctor told u was correct if he had seen anything that was potentially life threatening he would have told u different im sure and had u take her to emergency to be admitted..obviously the symptoms were not bad enough for that drastic of measures..but as he said be on the look out if it gets worse than worry..all u can do is make both ur children as comfortable as possible and let there immune systems do what they are designed to do..im a firm believer in what doesnt kill u makes u stronger..in order for our bodies to fight off any infections they have to get infected we spend all out time trying to prevent it and it weakens our immune systems making us more vulnerable when ur body doesnt get to work stuff out..if it gets risky yeah take em in..if not i say leave em at home with u

Megan - posted on 10/22/2009

If they have a fever give them tylenol and motrin. Keep them hydrated with water and pedylite and just watch if them. If you cant get their fevers down or they get worse take them to the er to get iv anti-virals. Hope this helps!

Sarah - posted on 10/22/2009

My baby is 1 year old and have H1N1 symptoms and the doctor gave him tamiflu syrup for kids. He is doing great now.

Chelsey - posted on 10/22/2009

I spoke with by doctor about this as well. She basically told me the same thing but she also said that if my daughter starts to have any respitory problems to go straight to the ER she said don't mess aroumd with urgent care or trying to get a hold of her. She said if worse comes to worse the can put her on Tamiflu but they really don't want to give to any babies under a year old. Its one of those dammed if you do dammed if you don't things. I would just try to make your baby as comfortable as possible and keep her hydrated. If she gets dehydrated it can be dangerous. Good luck and I hope she makes it through with flyin colors

Veronica - posted on 10/22/2009

My grandmother said that they had a bad flu back in the 70s that went around too. Your biggest thing is to keep them hydrated and comfortable. Pray, pray and pray some more. Flu isnt the number one killer in the winter months, its pneumonia - they wont tell you that though - but it can still be scary because of dehydration. Take care, and hang in there - things will work out how they are supposed to.

V

Leanne - posted on 10/22/2009

you are such a brave mum and your childrena re so brave too.as you say it SHOULD go out of the body and hopefully it dose but as doctors says there is nothing much you can do but always be there for your children and thank god that he had given the most wonderfull children in the world as i know you will be doing any way. from this everyone else should read your case and be gratefu;;y for the3 children they have as i do every day. god bless you and keep on beeing brave for yourself and your children

Natalie - posted on 10/22/2009

Good luck to you & your babies hope it passes very soon

Katrina - posted on 10/22/2009

Quoting Heidi:

The medication that is available infants can't have. Only children over the age of 2 can have it.

My daughter had the H1N1 flu and they gave me a script for "Tamiflu" as long as it is within the first 48 hours of the symptoms.  It wont CURE the flu but it will help make the symptoms tolerable to the kiddies.

Cindy - posted on 10/22/2009

hope everything turns out for you and your family!

April - posted on 10/22/2009

I dont know how old your babies are, but they are using "Tamiflu" antibiotics/antivirals (?) to treat it... I would go see another Dr as some of the other posters have urged. The ER is a good place to start... To just sit and watch her is bad advice given by a Dr, IMO.

Veronica - posted on 10/21/2009

Some preventive measures -- Plenty of hand washing, and hydration. Taking your vitamins! We have multivitamins for adults and kids. We have Vitamin C, And we have Vitamin D3 and K, plus Calcium Plus which is also loaded with vitamins and minerals. These products are easy to take - you drink them. They come in powder form, you mix with water and drink. Done. They absorb within 5 to 10 minutes, - and you get over 90% of the product absorbed - which is unlike big box stores (walmart) brands - which you may get up to about 18-20% absorbancy, and health stores - you may get up to 30 to 50 % of the product. What would you rather have? Id rather have the 90%. The reason is that these products are Isotonic - they dont need to be digested by the stomach, they go right into the small intestine for immediate absorption. Where pills have binders and fillers that take longer to break down, by then you usually lose most of the nutricious value of the product. (Why do you think the doc can recommend high doses of stuff - they know you are only going to absorb a small percentage of it, right?)

If you would like any information on these products or are looking for something else, please feel free to send me a message. I am here to help in any way that I can.



Take care,

Veronica Knott

Veronica - posted on 10/21/2009

Dear Heidi,

There have been studies showing that Vitamin D has been helping to eliminate the flu. Sunshine is the number one source of Vitamin D - but in this time of the year (well depending on where you live) sunshine isnt always available. How old are your daughters? I offer a multivitamin for children: Spectrum Isotonix Mightamins It has all the essential vitamins children need, and its a powder you mix with water and drink - tastes kinda like orange tang -- very reasonably priced as well. My aunt and her children had the swine flu - they took vitamin C and Ultimate Aloe Juice - these products helped tremendously - her daughter who wouldn't eat or drink, drank the aloe juice and started getting better. (These are only testimonies, and I am not claiming anything - just stating their results - everything can vary)



Do some of your own research -- and if you would like more information - please send me a message.



Take care, God Bless, I will pray for your little girls.

Veronica Knott

Valarie - posted on 10/21/2009

my support and prayers are with you, hope everything turns out alright, i can't imagine what i would do if one of mine got it. Please, repost and let us know what happens

Hillary - posted on 10/21/2009

Do the same thing you would do with any other illness: keep the baby VERY hydrated! Most people who end up in the hospital because of the flu do so because of dehydration. Keep the juice/water/milk coming! Also make sure your baby gets plenty of rest and plenty of love and attention. To keep other bugs and viruses away remember that you're never to young to wash your hands! Babies crawl and touch things all day, so remember to frequently wash your baby's hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Viki - posted on 10/21/2009

i have an 18 month old daughter with cf, heart problem, and severe asthma and they gave her tamiflu hunni so they should have given it to her x

Nichole - posted on 10/21/2009

I do know that from going to the doctors with my friend and her son, they tested him for the virus and came up negative, the doctor then told us the test always comes up negative and that theres nothing they can do for the virus but to treat at home wtih cold meds and lots of fluid and rest! i sure do hope your babies get better soon!

Jessica - posted on 10/21/2009

there is a medicine they can take...I know because my little girl had it also and they gave her a medicine but said that they can only give it to them within the first 48 hours of starting to show symptoms. I dont know how old they have to be but there is some help.



My daughter is not 2 yet so it can be given to infants...Its just going to depend on your doctor.

They probably told you to just watch her because the time has passed for them to give her the medicine.

Crystal - posted on 10/21/2009

GO TO A NATURAL HEALTH FOOD STORE, I BOUGHT MY SON AN IMMUNITY BOOSTER CALLED ENGYSTOL, AND I ALSO USE COLLOIDAL SILVER TO HELP HIM FIGHT OFF VIRUSES AND TO HELP HIS IMMUNE SYSTEM GET STRONGER...PLEASE GO AND TALK TO A NATURAL HEALTH PRACTIONER...YOU NEED TO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM WHICH IS THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEMS...IT'S WORTH A TRY...

Michelle - posted on 10/20/2009

I work in pediatrics, so I see this all day long. And forgive me if I say stuff that has already been posted, I didn't read all the posts.

The best thing to do is just keep you baby comfortable & hydrated. Tylenol & fluids. Tamiflu is only for kids under 2yrs and it must be taken within the first 24-48 hrs. And Tamiflu only lessens your symptoms, it doesnt keep you from getting the flu. (you can still get the flu it just wont be as bad or as long.) And now that your baby has had it, you won't have to worry about them having it again this season. Usually the thing we worry about with little ones is the secondary infection, pnuemonia.

I don't know where everyone lives & how bad the flu is in your area, but if you think your child has the flu and needs to see a dr, go to your drs office!!!! Avoid urgent cares & ERs (if possible), they are little breeding pools for the flu!

Kenisha - posted on 10/20/2009

have faith follow the doctors orders and trust god my mother always told me god doesnt give n-e thing u cant bear.

EMMY-JO - posted on 10/20/2009

Hi,

I know exactly how you feel. A few months ago, I got the H1N1 from my step son and it was horrible. I was sick with these symptoms for almost a month and to top it off, I just gave birth to my son who was not even a month at the time. He too had the same symptoms that I did. We were told to treat it like the regular flu.



Here were his symptoms and what I did: he had a fever - tempra and regular checks to see where his temp was ... I was told if it was running close to 39 to go to emergency.

Keep giving your baby the bottle/breast the more fluids they have the better ... to min. risk of dehydration. He had the 'RUNS" but again, all that milk had to come out somehow. All in all, it took him almost a month to get rid of the cough (just like me)...we're now both doing really well. It's scary, and for a first time mom and without alot of info out there..I felt horrible. Now, I use hand sanitizer all the time, constantly wash his hands because their always in his mouth.. and keep my visits limited, especially if I know someone has the similar symptoms...

Hope this helps...

Lisa - posted on 10/20/2009

Quoting Heidi:

No anti virals. They don't need them, and I don't want to give them drugs that aren't absolutly necessary.

That's good and IMO you've got the right idea idea. They're not proven to help kids in any major way and cause stomach upsets, so you're better letting nature take it's course.

Hope all continues to improve.

Kat - posted on 10/20/2009

I hope they recover soon im so scared about this flu i have taken my kids out of school im a breastfeeding mom of a 9 mth old and she relys on me so i wouldnt know what to do and my other two have bad asthma,all we can do is hope and pray we all get through this,good luck

Heidi - posted on 10/20/2009

No anti virals. They don't need them, and I don't want to give them drugs that aren't absolutly necessary.

Lisa - posted on 10/20/2009

Quoting Heidi:

I just got back from another doctor and she told me that it was H1N1. My twins were 2 months premature, so I was definatly worried. My daughter Aliah is doing better (the one that was diagnosed) Nevaeh is beginning to get it, but it seems to be much milder than what Aliah had. So that's a relief. Both of my little troopers are doing well, and Aliah is much better than she was. They also both were negative for pneumonia.

Well at least you know for sure. Are they going to use antivirals, or just see how things go? I'm sure you are especially worried given that they were premature. That's great news about the pneumonia scores. Hope it passes quickly with no complications. Thinking of you.

Heidi - posted on 10/20/2009

I just got back from another doctor and she told me that it was H1N1. My twins were 2 months premature, so I was definatly worried. My daughter Aliah is doing better (the one that was diagnosed) Nevaeh is beginning to get it, but it seems to be much milder than what Aliah had. So that's a relief. Both of my little troopers are doing well, and Aliah is much better than she was. They also both were negative for pneumonia.

Lisa - posted on 10/20/2009

I really hope your kids feel better soon. Although I'm really worried about my baby girl getting it I think the most important thing is not to panic. It's not the flu that kills it's usually the pneumonia as stated above so make sure you keep on top of any breathing difficulties.

Seasonal flu is also going around so it is possible that some reported cases are just that as I know in the UK they have stopped swab testing swine flu cases and are taking the precaution of diagnosing everyone with H1N1 and treating them appropriately.

However it is worrying when you have babies and best thing is to take the meds that your Doctor gives and keep an eye on them.

Tamiflu, an antiviral, is now licensed for use in the under one's during a pandemic, so anyone who is getting info other than this from their medical practitioner should definitely seek a second opinion. However there is much debate on the effectiveness of antiviral's in children and many feel it is in fact better to let the virus run it's course as antiviral's can themselves cause nausea and vomiting and can therefore add to the discomfort.

Either way as long as you are aware of the possible risks and how to spot any complications that's pretty much all you can do.

Thoughts to all who are currently suffering - hope it stays clear of my family.

Karrie - posted on 10/20/2009

I live in Missouri, they will not test for h1n1 anywhere around where I live, at least I think my 8 year old has it as of yesterday,his whole school is sick, and they are not doing anything about it. Ok they sent a letter home saying if they are sick keep them home, yeah that is why the whole school is filled w/ absent and sick kids. I am upset, they won't test, yet everyone has the h1n1 symptoms. Myself, I have other health issues, my man is diabetic, my 3&1/2 year old daughter touches everything, and my 2 year old boy was a premie, I am so scared, and upset. The only thing I can do is pray. If I lose someone to this, I don't know what I will do, but it will be on!

Leah - posted on 10/20/2009

Tell your doctor to prescribe the antibotics that they are giving everyone my husbands kids have it right now and they are on anti's i'd call your doc rite away

KENDRA - posted on 10/20/2009

PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHEN PRAY GO UP BLESSING COME DOWN! AGAIN AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOOUR KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Lin - posted on 10/20/2009

I'd definitely have her and her twin checked out by another medical professional, be it the hospital or another doctor in a separate practice (I've found that doctors in the same company/building tend to back each other up).

And of course, protect yourself too - they are really going to need you now and can't afford for you to get sick as well.