News Swine Flu

Most parents dread when their young child or baby gets sick and with good reason. Toddlers and infants can’t tell you how they feel, whether their throat hurts or their tummy is upset.  Their only recourse is to show you how they feel through their actions.

Unfortunately this young age group is also at a higher risk for complications from the Swine Flu (N1H1) because their immune systems are immature and not able to cope with the onslaught of the virus.   If you notice these symptoms in your child notify your doctor as soon as possible or take the child to an urgent care service.

Difficulty breathing

Profuse vomiting

Lethargic and unreactive

Many parents become concerned when the child’s temperature goes above 100 degrees.  However how the child is acting is more important than any number on the thermometer.  Young children seem to be able to cope with a high fever better than adults.  A temperature of 104 may be serious in an adult but manageable in a child.

Children sleep longer when they’re ill if their symptoms allow them to.  If a child is sleeping much longer, is difficult to wake up, and seems groggy, that may be a warning sign.

Dehydration is serious in infants and children.  Symptoms include sunken eyes, dry mouth, decrease in wet diapers and lethargy.  At this point it is important that children get fluids as quickly as possible.  It may not be possible for the child to consume enough fast enough to re-hydrate themselves. That may mean intravenous fluids administered in a hospital.

Don’t panic but watch children closely when they’re ill with the Swine Flu (N1H1) or any time they’re sick.

Uncategorized Health, Swine Flu, Swine influenza

While decreasing the amount of stress in your life won’t prevent you from coming down with an illness like the Swine Flu (H1N1) less stress means a stronger immune system.  A strong immune system means you can fight off the flu more effectively.  Here are a few tips to lessen stress.

Only Worry When it Counts
There are some things you can control and many you can’t.  Only worry about what you can control, otherwise it’s wasted.  For example:  If you’re in charge of a family reunion picnic –  you can’t control the weather.   What you can control is the location.  So make sure that there is a rained-out alternative just in case, then you won’t have to worry about the weather.

What’s Really the Problem?
Often we overreact to situations because we’re concerned about something else.  Say, your boss comes in and asks you to fast track a project you’ve been working on and you become livid with outrage.   Maybe you’re not really angry with your boss, the project or the new deadline.  It could be you’re upset because your teenage son didn’t come home till past midnight.  If you can figure out what’s really the problem you can save yourself a lot of stress and concentrate on solving the problem, instead of creating new ones.

Live Each Day for That Day
The past can’t be repeated it can only be learned from.  The future hasn’t happened yet.  Right now is the only time you have.  Learn to let go of events in the past. Don’t aggravate yourself by thinking what you might have done.  Forgive yourself for your mistakes and remember what you’ve learned.

Uncategorized Health, Infectious Diseases, Swine influenza, Viral

Think about the 2009 Swine Flu (N1H1) and it’s scary. Schools are closing, quarantines at airports, and all those face masks. There are several common sense ways you can get down the chances of coming down with Swine Flu.

1. Wash your hands. It’s one of the best and most effective ways to prevent disease. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using warm to hot water and soap. It doesn’t have to be an antibacterial soap because Swine Flu (N1H1) is caused by a virus not a bacteria. If you’re out and about and don’t have access to soap and water use a hand sanitizer gel that is alcohol based. Use a generous dollop and rub on your hands until it evaporates.

2. Stay away from crowds. Swine Flu (N1H1) is air born within a 6 foot distance. The virus is carried on water droplets that are expelled from the nasal passages, throat and lungs through sneezing, coughing and breathing. If you aren’t where the crowds are you won’t be exposed as much.

3. Don’t touch your mouth or nose with your hands, use a tissue. Swine Flu (N1H1) is spread through the virus being introduced to the host – that’s you. If the virus is on your hand because you touched a surface that someone else did who had the virus and then touch your nose or mouth you increase the chances of getting sick yourself. Use the tissue only once and throw it away after the usage.

Use these common sense rules to decrease the chance you’ll get sick.

Uncategorized Health, Infectious disease, Swine influenza