H1N1 Influenza Prevention in Children: What Parents Need to Know

How to prevent H1N1 influenza in children? Vaccination, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying away from school while being sick are the major measures.

Highlights:

Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness that infects mostly children younger than 5 years of age
It can spread mainly by droplets made when flu-affected people cough, sneeze or talk
The best way to protect your child from H1N1 influenza is to get vaccinated every year

H1N1 influenza has been spreading rapidly among children, which is creating panic among parents. Being aware of preventive ways that help to protect children from H1N1 influenza is the need of the hour. Keep reading to know more about it.

Respiratory Diseases - Influenza
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general info about Influenza

‘The COVID-19 routine of masking, maintaining physical distance, and frequent handwashing should be continued to protect children from H1N1 influenza.’
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Why is H1N1 Influenza Dangerous for Children?

H1N1 influenza is caused by a virus, that spreads easily when an infected person coughs and has close contact with others. There are 4 types of seasonal influenza viruses, types A, B, C, and D. Only influenza type A viruses are known to have caused pandemics ().

Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, it is estimated that an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized due to flu complications. Some children rarely die from flu each year.

Symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body pain, headache, and fatigue along with vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children than adults. Lung infection, fluid loss from the body, ear infections, brain dysfunction, and worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma can lead to death in children infected with flu.

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Vaccination is the Best Protection Against H1N1 Influenza

The best way to reduce your children’s risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year ().

Keep in mind that vaccination is especially important for children who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. This vaccination should also be given to adults who are in close contact with those children.

The vaccine can be given in the form of flu shots using an injection (with a needle) and nasal spray vaccine (also known as the Live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV4). However, there is a precaution against the use of nasal spray flu vaccine in people with certain underlying medical conditions. The doctor will decide which vaccine is right for your child.

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When Should Children Get Flu Vaccine?

For most people who need only one dose of flu vaccine for the season, September and October, are generally good times to be vaccinated.

Some children need two doses of flu vaccine. For those children, it is recommended to get the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, even if this is in July or August because the second dose needs to be given at least four weeks after the first.

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop antibodies against flu virus infection, it is best to get vaccinated so they are protected before flu season starts. You can consult your doctor to know whether your child needs two doses.

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Other Preventive Actions Against H1N1 Influenza

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, children, parents, and caregivers should follow everyday preventive actions for complete protection against . Follow the below tips that will help to protect your child and others from flu and stop the spread of infection ().

Avoid close contact with children who are sick. If possible, stay away from school, when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Washing your child’s hands often with a mild soft soap and water will help protect from germs.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, or school, especially when someone is ill.
Make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids, and eats nutritious food.

Make sure you protect your child from this sudden illness and make them feel safe in this fragile environment.

References:

Influenza and Children - (https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/influenza-and-children/)
Flu Vaccines are Important for Children - (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm)
Prevention of influenza in healthy children - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3763239/)

Source-Medindia