What Does It Take to Protect At-Risk Children Against Flu? Common Sense And A Plan

While Swine Flu has gotten all of the headlines, more than 300 people die each week from seasonal flu complications. Children with upper respiratory disorders are at-risk for significant complications associated with influenza-swine flu or otherwise. But parents need not lock their children away or reduce their normal activities to protect them. Parents should instead use common sense and planning to minimize risk and exposure.

Here are some simple steps that should be part of every parent's approach to giving their children a healthier, happier environment.

Have an action plan. Children with asthma or other chronic respiratory issues should work closely with their primary pediatrician or pulmonologist to develop an action plan for maintenance and emergency issues. The action plan should detail symptoms, treatment paths and emergency notification procedures that address respiratory distress associated with influenza and other illnesses.

Find ways to improve indoor air quality. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that carry a micro particle rating of at least 1200 should be installed in furnaces and changed every 3 months to reduce harmful particulates circulating in the home. Get a fan for the nursery or child's room. Studies have shown that fan circulation significantly reduces the viral load in room air. Such products as the Healthy Fan (www.healthyfan.com), which use UV-C and fan technology to reduce 99% of airborne bacteria, viruses and mold spores, can further decrease exposure risks.

Talk to your doctor before giving your children flu medication. Popular flu medications Tamiflu and Relenza are safe for most children but can cause adverse side effects for mothers who are pregnant or nursing, children with kidney disease or ANY child with an underlying airways disease, including asthma, emphysema, lung infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Consult with your pediatrician or pulmonologist to see if the risks or side effects outweigh the risk of influenza exposure.

Have every family member participate in germ minimalization techniques. All family members should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Family members and visitors should wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. In addition all family members should avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Children can be contagious for 7 days or longer. People with the swine influenza virus should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Don't wait to seek emergency medical attention. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. According to the Ohio Department of Health, if your child becomes ill and experiences any of the following warning signs, you should seek emergency medical care:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

Please also check www.HealthyChildrenToday.com for the latest news, MedTech and pediatric clinician blogs for all issues related to children with upper respiratory disorders, including Cystic Fibrois, Allergies, Asthma, Influenza and Preemies.

Christine Stuart, RN, CPNP, HealthyChildrenToday.com contributor