bug of the month!

H1N1

Our current bug of the month for the past few months has been the H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause a respiratory illness like the flu.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub. The alcohol in the solution will help kill the germs on your hands. You can fine them at most supermarkets and drug stores and they should contain at least 65% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you or your children are ill with a flu-like illness, stay away from others as much as possible to avoid the spread of the illness. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. If you are using fever reducing medicines you cannot tell if your fever is truly gone. As you are feeling better, start increasing the intervals between doses. It is important to check a temperature to make sure it does not return.

If your child develops:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting with you
• Being so irritable that your child does not want to be held
• Flu like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and cough
• Fever with a rash

With any of the above please call your Pediatrician.