We have seen widespread H1N1 infections throughout the area. Don't panic!! The vast majority of children with H1N1 influenza have not been very sick.

If you or your child has flu-like symptoms the best place for you to be is resting at home. Please do not go to the ER, urgent care center, or our office just because you are worried about H1N1. Your course of action should be based on severity of symptoms. Most children with H1N1 will recover fully at home with symptomatic treatment like fever reducers (Tylenol or Motrin) and plenty of fluids. Call us if you think your child is very ill.

H1N1 vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months and up. Children 9 years and under should receive a second dose at least 4 weeks after the first.

There are 2 types of H1N1 vaccine available:

H1N1 Flumist: (No longer available through our practice. If you would like the H1N1 Flumist please contact your local health department.)

• A Live Attenuated Intranasal Spray Vaccine.
• Approved for children 2 years and up.
• Cannot be given if your child has a history of asthma (wheezing).
• Cannot be given if your child has an egg allergy.
• Cannot be given if there is someone with a weakened immune system in the home (such as chemotherapy).
• Cannot be given if your child has received another live vaccine (MMR, Chickenpox, or the seasonal influenza Flumist) in the past 28 days.
• Please read the CDC's H1N1 Flumist information sheet for more info.

H1N1 Injectable Vaccine:

• An Inactivated Injected Vaccine ("The Flu shot")
• Approved for children 6 months and up.
• We only have multidose vials which do contain thimerosal.
• Cannot be given if your child has a severe life-threatening egg allergy.
• Please read the CDC's H1N1 Inactivated Vaccine info sheet for more info.

No appointment is needed. Please bring your child's insurance card with you.

All Flu clinics are held in the Monroeville office.

Your child must be an East Suburban Pediatrics patient to receive a vaccine.

Children less than 10 years old need a second dose of H1N1 vaccine at least 28 days after the first dose. Either the live or inactivated vaccine may be given.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu?

A: The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Q: How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?

A: Illness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from 2009 H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu.

Q: What can I do to protect myself and my child from getting sick?

A: The H1N1 vaccine is the best way to help prevent the spread of the virus. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.

Q: What should I do if my child gets sick?

A: If your child gets sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

• Your child has fast breathing or difficulty breathing.
• Your child has bluish skin color.
• Your child is not drinking enough fluids.
• Your child is not waking up or not interacting.
• Your child is so irritable that he does not want to be held.
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
• Your child has fever with a rash.

Q: How long should my child stay home if she's sick?

A: The CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.