The Swine Flu is spreading rapidly and has many parents concerned about the safety of infants and toddlers, who are more likely to experience a severe reaction to the virus. While most cases of the Swine Flu pass with no complications, toddlers with any history of respiratory illness should be watched closely for signs of breathing trouble. Parents should be aware of what the symptoms of Swine Flu are and know when to seek medical attention for toddlers.
Protecting Toddlers from the Swine Flu
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that parents take basic health precautions to protect toddlers from the Swine Flu such as, encouraging frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with people showing signs of illness, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is important to stay up to date on the recommendations from the local health department and be aware of any heavy outbreaks reported in the area. Daily activities such as attending daycare, visiting public places, and attending social activities should continue unless the local health department advises against them.
Symptoms of the Swine Flu in Toddlers
It can be difficult to determine whether a toddler is experiencing common cold symptoms, the Swine Flu, or another infection. A toddler with respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing, but no fever, likely has a cold and not the flu. A toddler who experiences a fever, chills, and possibly some respiratory symptoms likely has a strain of the flu. The CDC recommends that toddlers who are showing symptoms of the flu should stay home for 10 days from the start of symptoms.
When Should a Toddler Visit a Pediatrician?
Visiting the doctor often exposes toddlers to new germs and virus and can pose more of a threat to toddlers if they have a medical condition that can be treated at home. In areas with a heavy outbreak of Swine Flu, parents may take their toddlers into the pediatrician at the first sign of any flu related symptoms only to be told that their toddler does not have the Swine Flu and inadvertently expose their toddlers to the H1N1 virus by visiting the doctor’s office. Many doctors recommend that parents call the pediatricians office if they have a toddler showing symptoms of the Swine Flu to determine whether a visit to the office is necessary. Toddlers with mild Swine Flu symptoms can often be treated at home.
Any toddlers who experience any breathing difficulty or have preexisting medical conditions should visit the pediatrician right away. Toddlers who become lethargic, are not staying hydrated, or develop a rash should be seen by the pediatrician.
Caring for a Toddler with Swine Flu
Parents who are caring for a toddler with Swine Flu may want to wear a face mask to prevent catching the virus themselves. Encourage everyone in the home to practice frequent and thorough hand washing and sanitize household surfaces frequently.
Treatment for toddlers with the Swine Flu is similar to treatment for most common childhood illnesses. The AAP recommends against using cold medicine for children under 4. Cold medicine will not help treat the Swine Flu and it could be dangerous for toddlers. Fever and body aches can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen but parents should carefully follow dosage instructions on the label. Antiviral medication may be prescribed for other members of the home who have been exposed to the Swine Flu. Most cases of the Swine Flu resolve on their own and require no treatment.
The Swine Flu has many parents of toddlers panicking, but with basic common sense health practices and the advice of a qualified pediatrician, toddlers who were previously in good health will almost always recover from the Swine Flu without complication. Isolation for the entire family for 10 days from the start of symptoms will help prevent further spread of the Swine Flu to other members of the community.
