H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update

The first thing you need to know about this new strain of influenza is that it is producing a mild flu illness and has a very low mortality.  This is very different from avian or bird flu that received a lot of press about 2 years ago and had an extremely high mortality rate.  This bug should be respected, however, because none of us have any immunity to it, so we are all at risk for infection.  The vast majority of people who have been infected have had typical flu symptoms and have recovered fully.  So, don't let the media hype scare you too much.  The biggest impact of this flu will likely be economic because businesses, schools, etc. may have to close for periods of time. 

At this time there is not an in-office test for H1N1 flu.  The CDC and Kansas Department of Health are recommending only people with severe disease who are hospitalized should be tested.  Children's Mercy can run the CDC approved test - but will do so only on hospitalized patients.  At this time the test takes over 24 hours to complete.  Therefore, we will not be testing patients for H1N1 in our office, and Children's Mercy will not run the test on someone coming in to their Emergency Department who is mildly ill and is not being admitted.  So do not go to the doctor or ER just to get a test - it will not happen.

When should you seek medical care?  The majority of people sick with H1N1 flu will NOT need to see a medical provider.  Only those who are showing signs of severe illness, dehydration, or secondary complications should seek medical care.  High risk group includes people with the following conditions:

• asthma (those with moderate to severe asthma, who take DAILY controller
• meds such as inhaled steriods)
• significant cardiac problems
• neuromuscular disease
• diabetes
• cancer
• blood disorders (including sickle cell)
• kidney disease
• immunosuppression (AIDS or receiving chemotherapy or high dose/prolonged course of oral steriods)
• less than 5 years old
• SIBLING WITH AND OF THESE CONDITIONS
• pregnancy
• Less than 19 years old on DAILY ASPIRIN THERAPY - Reye Syndrome risk

*See "Flu Symptoms and Severity" at  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm

Most sick people can be cared for at home and do not need to come to our office or Children's Mercy.  See "Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home" at http://www.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Please call us if the information on the website does not answer your questions about H1N1.

Below are some trustworthy websites with up to date information about this outbreak:

General information about H1N1 (Swine Flu) www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

Flu symptoms and Severity    www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms

What to do if you get Flu-like symptoms www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Taking care of a sick person in your home www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance homecare.htm

Kansas Department of Health www.kdheks.gov

World Health Organization (WHO) www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
 
As of 6/01/09: All flu cases now being seen are likely due to H1N1 (Swine type) and no longer due to routine seasonal flu strains..