Swine Flu Fast Approaching Pandemic Level

World health officials have stated that the Swine Flu is now quickly approaching pandemic (widespread) level. We asked pediatrician Dr. Gillin if it’s time to panic, if our child now exhibits the symptoms if we take them to the pediatrician or the hospital and more.

I read today that the World Health Director said, “All of humanity is under threat.” Is she telling me it’s time to panic?
No, please do not panic. But be safe, be careful. Use the same precautions- hand washing, staying away from sick people. Do not go to work or school sick. But for now, we know that this flu virus is spreading, but we are not sure how severe of an illness it will be. Again, time will tell. In the meantime we are careful. So far I have not been seeing serious illness. I am cautious but not nervous.

If our children exhibit swine flu symptoms — fever greater than 100, cough and sore throat, as well body aches, chills, stuffy nose — should we take them to their pediatrician or to the hospital?
If they have typical flu-like symptoms, they do not need to go to the hospital. So far, I am finding that otherwise healthy individuals are having self-limiting illness. For the time being, you can call your Pediatrician’s office to determine whether you need to go in or not. (Do allow some time for them to call you back though, everyone is very, very busy with many phone calls.) Currently, we are not treating otherwise healthy individuals with Tamiflu anymore. So, if your child has minor symptoms, it may be reasonable to just stay home. If your child has respiratory difficulty, or is showing signs of dehydration then they will need to be evaluated by a physician. This is the case for influenza H1N1 [a.k.a. Swine Flu], as well as any other virus. If your child is high risk for respiratory disease, or has other medical concerns, then you should contact your physician (a child with severe asthma, or an immunodeficiency- not simply a child who gets frequent colds).

What about after pediatrician offices are closed?
It is reasonable to call if there are questions. If your child has a low grade fever, without any worrisome signs, you do not need to call. (If your child’s fever goes away with OTC  [over the counter] meds, and is playing happily, and feeding well- then you do not need to call). Again, please be reasonable as to how long it takes someone to call you back, as the offices, and urgent cares, and emergency departments are very busy.

For clarification, if our child contracts swine flu and we get them medical care immediately, do we still need to be concerned that they could die or are the chances unlikely with immediate care?
At this point, I feel that the chances that they will die are unlikely. We have excellent medical care available, and the patients I have seen so far have not been alarming. The patients so far have been presenting with a typical “flu”, with mild severity. Of course, as with every flu season, there will be some people that have complications, but more likely not. Again, we need time to be able to tell whether this influenza virus will be more harmful to individuals or not, but so far so good.

Also, you filled me in this afternoon that:
As for now, we are being advised to only treat severely ill/ hospitalized individuals with Tamiflu- otherwise healthy people do not need Tamiflu.

Is that still the case? Yes it is, and that is a reassuring sign.

For the Wednesday, April 29 Post, “Swine Flu: First Death in U.S. is a Toddler — Deaths Due to Influenza Happen Every Year,”Click here.

For Wednesday April 29 post, “Swine Flu: What the Pediatrician Community is Saying Today and More,” Click here.

For Monday April 27 post, “Swine Flu: A Pediatrician Discusses the Symptoms, Treatment and Why the Sudden Panic,” click here.

Shakha Gillin, M.D., F.A.A.P. attended UCSD for her undergraduate education and medical school (and if she looks familiar that’s because she’s the twin sister of Breezy go-to dermatoligist Dr. Vi). She practiced pediatrics in La Jolla for 5 years before joining El Camino Pediatrics. She has also worked in private practice in Newport Beach and in the Rady Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. Dr. Shakha Gillin has a special interest in preventative care, particularly healthy and active lifestyles for children. She was recognized by San Diego Magazine as a “Top Doctor” in 2006, 2007 and 2008. She also organizes the North County Pediatric Journal Club, a bimonthly meeting where local pediatricians discuss the latest pediatric medical topics.

Breezy Note: Dr. Gillin noted that information is continuously changing on Swine Flu. Breezy Mama will be checking in with her for updates for the latest information. Either check back here, or subscribe (it’s free) to be alerted via email for any new posts:

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1. Swine Flu: A Pediatrician Discusses the Symptoms, Treatment and Why the Sudden Panic For the Wednesday, April 29 Post, “Swine Flu: First...
2. Swine Flu: What the Pediatrician Community is Saying Today (4/29) and More Dr. Gillin answered our questions on whether she’s treated...
3. Swine Flu: First Death in U.S. is a Toddler — Deaths Due to Influenza Happen Every Year As a follow up to Monday night’s post on Swine...
4. Swine Flu Update: Seems Comforting So Far Pediatrician Dr. Gillin answered our questions on updates for...
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