Preparing your family for H1N1 this fall

A new kind of influenza is circulating in Nebraska. It's called the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1).

Public health officials, like our state's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joann Schaefer, expect there to be more cases nationally and within Nebraska. With the beginning of school and kids congregating together, cases are on the rise.

Dr. Schaefer says that this is a changing situation and we must be vigilant, staying on top of the information provided to us by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is no vaccine right now, but one is expected to be available within the next month or two.

At this time, those most at risk from this illness are pregnant women, children younger than five years old, and anyone with certain chronic medical conditions which place them at higher risk of complications. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease (not high blood pressure), asthma, and kidney disease. Other people at risk of complications are those who have compromised immune systems (like those who are on chemotherapy or who have had transplants).

I know that parents are especially concerned about this virus. Although most cases seem to be mild and patients recover without treatment or even a visit to the doctor, some have become seriously ill. Children with underlying health conditions, like asthma, diabetes and neuromuscular disorders, are more likely to be seriously impacted.

Parents can teach their children what they need to know to protect themselves against the virus. Teach them to wash their hands with soap and water, frequently. They can also use an antibacterial gel. Teach them not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth. Teach them to stay away from others who appear to be ill.

To avoid spreading the virus, teach them to cough into their elbow or into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Have your kids stay home if they are sick. Dr. Schaefer says they should stay home until 24 hours have passed without fever (without using fever-reducing drugs like acetaminophen).

If your child or you have only a mild case of illness, you don't need to call your doctor's office, which may be seriously challenged by the number of patients and calls because of this virus.

If you or your child are seriously ill, then do call your doctor's office. He or she may prescribe an antiviral over the phone based on your symptoms. Antivirals can lessen your symptoms or perhaps shorten the duration of your illness. If he or she wants to see you, then arrangements may be made to see you separately so that other people in the waiting room are not exposed.

If you are pregnant or have a chronic, underlying health condition, you may want to call your doctor before you become ill. He or she may want to make arrangements for quick antiviral treatment if you become sick.

I encourage you to use the DHHS Website (http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/h1n1flu/ ) for more information. This Website includes news releases and links to very good information and fact sheets from the CDC, HHS and USDA.