Tag Archive for 'Flu'

Back To School

Published on September 4, 2009 in H1N1 (Swine Flu), Out and About and Prevention. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

School is back in session. My oldest just started Kindergarten this week. It makes you realize that life goes too quickly. I am not sure whether my daughter or wife was more anxious about it. They both did well.

With children going back to school, it is important to teach them good hygiene to prevent illnesses this Fall and Winter. I suspect we all will be inundated with flu related news everywhere.

Some simple measures your children can do include:
*washing their hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day.
*use of hand sanitizers when soap and water is not available.
*encouraging them to cover their nose and mouth with their elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs

Most illnesses are preventable with a few simple precautions.

Have a great Fall

Influenza this School Year.

Published on August 11, 2009 in H1N1 (Swine Flu), Prevention and Vaccine. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

With back to school, comes back to illnesses and I suspect things will start up early this school year. I have already seen 2 cases of influenza H1N1 otherwise known as swine flu in the last 2 weeks. Fortunately the symptoms have been mild and none have needed any antiviral medications whatsoever.

Locally, Group Health has started conducting clinical trials of the vaccine. It is one of eight federally funded Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units.  

Parents will also be glad to know that the CDC has recently updated the isolation precautions for people with Influenza H1N1 or people with flu like symptoms. The new recommendation is that children with fever need to stay home for at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever reducing medication.

When the vaccine does become available, usage will initially target the high risk which includes Pregnant woman, people who live with or care for children under 6 months of age, health care workers,  people between 6 months and 24 years of age and people older than 24 with chronic health conditions.