We continue to see increasing numbers of patients with suspected or confirmed Influenza H1N1 ("Swine flu") infection.  Typical symptoms have included fever, headache, achiness and fatigue.  Several children have presented with diarrhea.  School absences are averaging 3 to 4 days.  While most of the cases have been relatively mild (given the potential presentation of Influenza), we continue to monitor children for complications.  As expected, office visits and call volumes remain extremely high.  Most children with H1N1 infection will not need to be seen. 

Generally speaking, younger children (under age 5) and those with chronic health conditions are at greatest risk of Influenza-related medical complications.  If you suspect that your child has the flu and are wondering whether you need to schedule an office appointment, please consider the following signs and symptoms that would indicate the need for more immediate medical evaluation:

• Rapid or labored breathing
• Blue or gray skin discoloration
• Dehydration or inadequate fluid intake
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Lethargy, decreased arousal or lack of interaction
• Severe irritability (e.g. does not want to be held)
• Resolving symptoms soon followed by worsening cough or fever

Vaccination, while imperfect, remains the most effective way to prevent severe cases of Influenza.  You and your child will need both the seasonal Influenza vaccine and the novel H1N1/Swine Flu vaccine for maximum protection against Influenza disease.  While our seasonal Influenza vaccine clinics are well underway, we remain dependent on DHEC to start our novel H1N1/Swine Flu vaccine campaign.  As of the time of this posting, we have not yet received any doses of novel H1N1 vaccine. We are on the phone with South Carolina DHEC every day.  The CDC assures us that there will be more than enough vaccine to immunize all eligible people.  However, as vaccine supply is likely to roll in slowly, we anticipate first vaccinating individuals deemed highest risk by ACIP guidelines.

In the meantime, because of our strong belief in Influenza prevention through vaccination, it is our recommendation that you and your child be vaccinated as soon as possible at the most convenient location based on vaccine supply.  Given the difficult logistics of a large-scale immunization campaign, distribution sites may include schools and pharmacies.  By clicking these links, you can determine the DHEC vaccine clinic and the non-DHEC vaccine clinic closest to you.

Your CPA physicians continue to follow H1N1 very closely.  Stay tuned to our website for weekly updates.  In addition, remember that previous postings can be read by clicking the See More Hot Topics link below.

Stay healthy and keep washing your hands!