H1N1 Symptoms in Children

The H1N1 type A influenza, commonly known as swine flu, is an acute contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. The swine flu pandemic in 2009 resulted in deaths of a large number of people all over the world. H1N1 can be a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed or treated at an early stage. Children are at a higher risk of contracting this disease as compared people of any other age group. The complications of H1N1 also become more severe in case of children, when contracted with this deadly disease. Therefore, it is essential for parents and guardians to know of H1N1 symptoms to treat them quickly. Let us first take a look at the causes of this disease.

H1N1 Causes

As mentioned above, H1N1 is a highly contagious diseases caused by the orthomyxovirus. Similar to other types of influenza, this disease spreads when the infected person sneezes or coughs and pollutes the surrounding air. The virus gets mixed in the air and people inhaling this air contract this disease. Secondly, a healthy person can also contract this disease by touching contaminated objects and then touching his nose or mouth. The H1N1 incubation period (the time gap between getting infected and appearing of symptoms) is 1-7 days. However, in most of the cases, the symptoms appear after 2-3 days of infection. Swine flu symptoms in adults are similar to those observed in children.

H1N1 Signs and Symptoms in Children

Unfortunately, the symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of influenza or any viral infection. Therefore, it is difficult to relate these symptoms to swine flu or H1N1 flu immediately. However, it is essential for parents to get the disease diagnosed immediately in order to prevent it from being life-threatening. The following are the early H1N1 or swine flu symptoms in children:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Vomiting

The symptoms of swine flu or H1N1 in case of babies are also very vague. Babies may be reluctant to interact and play. They will cry constantly and may not be consoled even by family members. The following are swine flu symptoms in babies:

• Constant crying
• Fever
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Trouble breathing
• Lack of activity

We observe that the above mentioned symptoms can be that of common cold, influenza (flu) or any other viral infection. Children may also experience loss of appetite as it may be difficult for them to swallow food due to a sore throat. Apart from these, in the later stage, one may observe more severe symptoms. The following are severe H1N1 symptoms in children:

• High fever
• Bluish skin tone
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dehydration
• Chills
• Rash

If the child shows the above mentioned symptoms, he/she should be immediately taken for emergency medical treatment. In case of the onset of severe symptoms, hospitalization is required. It is recommended to consult the doctor immediately, if children, and specially babies, show any of the above mentioned symptoms. It is not recommended to undertake any medical treatment at home (by using over-the-counter medications), or go for any home remedies. Even if the child may not actually be suffering from H1N1, the doctor will monitor the symptoms and try to treat any underlying cause. Secondly, if the child is actually suffering from swine flu, it will be easier to treat the disease in the initial stage, without possessing any threat to the child's life. Hence, it is recommended to keep a close watch and identify H1N1 symptoms as early as possible.

Children and adults should go for swine flu vaccinations which are available in health care centers. Also, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene and some other precautions helps in prevention of this disease. Children should be encouraged to wash hands before eating, after playing, after using the bathroom, etc. Secondly, they should also be taught to use tissues and cover their mouth when sneezing or coughing. However, in spite of these precautions, it is advisable for parents to keep babies and infants away from crowded places, as there are higher chances of getting infected. On a concluding note, it can be said that H1N1 can be treated effectively if symptoms are identified at an early stage. Take care!