CHICAGO — The nation’s first swine flu death, a toddler in Texas, is tragic but health experts say not unexpected, and they advise parents to take some ordinary precautions.
Every year dozens of U.S. children die from seasonal flu; that’s one reason annual flu shots are recommended for children 6 months and older.
So far this season, 55 children have died from regular flu, federal health authorities report.
While children, especially those younger than 5, are known to be most vulnerable to severe and fatal complications from seasonal flu, most children who get even the most aggressive strains of flu don’t die from it.
"Nobody should be unduly worried; everybody should be aware of what’s going on and doing things they should be doing in flu season anyway,” said Dr. Mark Dworkin, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
That includes covering your cough, washing your hands often — and telling children to do the same.
Parents should also avoid sending children with fevers or other signs of illness to school, and should skip work if they have those symptoms — usual precautions when they or their kids are sick.
Dr. Kathryn Edwards, a Vanderbilt University flu specialist, said there’s no reason to keep healthy children home or restrict their activities.
While there’s no vaccine to protect against the new strain, experts say parents should be sure to vaccinate their children against seasonal flu.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough and runny nose. Younger children sometimes have vomiting.
by the associated press
Every year dozens of U.S. children die from seasonal flu; that’s one reason annual flu shots are recommended for children 6 months and older.
So far this season, 55 children have died from regular flu, federal health authorities report.
While children, especially those younger than 5, are known to be most vulnerable to severe and fatal complications from seasonal flu, most children who get even the most aggressive strains of flu don’t die from it.
"Nobody should be unduly worried; everybody should be aware of what’s going on and doing things they should be doing in flu season anyway,” said Dr. Mark Dworkin, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
That includes covering your cough, washing your hands often — and telling children to do the same.
Parents should also avoid sending children with fevers or other signs of illness to school, and should skip work if they have those symptoms — usual precautions when they or their kids are sick.
Dr. Kathryn Edwards, a Vanderbilt University flu specialist, said there’s no reason to keep healthy children home or restrict their activities.
While there’s no vaccine to protect against the new strain, experts say parents should be sure to vaccinate their children against seasonal flu.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough and runny nose. Younger children sometimes have vomiting.
by the associated press
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