Some important info from the ARC of Calif’s “Monday Morning Memo”
For Parents Who Have Children Or Adolescents With High-Risk Medical Conditions
How do I know if my child is at high risk for complications from the flu?
Your child is at risk if he/she has:
Asthma• Neurological and neurodevelopmental • conditions including disorders of the brain; spinal cord; peripheral nerve; and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury – Chronic lung disease• (such as cystic fibrosis) – Heart disease• (such as congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure) – Blood disorders• (such as sickle cell disease) – Endocrine disorders• (such as diabetes mellitus) – Kidney disorders• -Liver disorders• – Metabolic disorders• (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders) – Weakened immune system• – due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids) – Receiving long-term aspirin therapy• for chronic disorders – Pregnancy.
What is the flu?
The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by flu viruses. Flu infections usually result in mild illness, but can lead to hospital stays and, rarely, death. Each year several different flu viruses circulate. This year, one of the viruses is the new 2009 H1N1 flu virus.
What are symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aces, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people sick with the flu will not have a fever.
How can I protect my child against flu?
Flu shots: The most important thing is for your child to get both a seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine to protect against flu viruses. Distance: Keep your child away from people who are sick. Hand washing: Wash hands often with soap and running water (for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Assist your child in hand washing if he is unable. Germ control: Encourage your child to avoid touching his eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way. Cleanliness: Keep bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters, and toys clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. Health: If your child is at risk, make sure her underlying condition is under the best control. A plan:Have a plan in case your child becomes sick with flu-like illness.
Are the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines safe for my child?
Yes. Children with high-risk medical conditions are among the most important groups to be vaccinated against seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu. This is because they are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
For more info…
www.cdc.gov or www.flu.govor or call1-800-CDC-INFO
