Swine Flu Paranoia?

If you are among thousands of parents concerned that your child could become sick with the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, we have some important information you need to know.

There is a lot of misinformation about swine flu that doctors said is causing paranoia and unnecessary trips to the hospital. Doctors at Chattanooga's T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital said Tuesday they are seeing what they call an "uptick" in the number of kids being diagnosed with the flu -- more than likely the swine flu.

In the same breath, doctors say there's no reason to be alarmed.

Dr. Janara Huff, a pediatric infectious disease specialist,  said "there's no hint this is any more severe than the usual seasonal type influenza that we're all familiar with."

Dr. Huff added swine flu in many cases is milder than seasonal flu. But what sets swine flu apart from the usual flu viruses is timing.

"The really odd part about it is that we're having it now, in August and September and this is not the typical influenza season," Dr. Huff said.

Nevertheless parents these days are making more trips to the hospital and doctors offices whenever their children come down with symptoms that could just as easily be a cold or other minor ailment. Doctors said if your child develops the sniffles, cough or even a fever that doesn't mean you should bring them to T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital.

But there are some specific symptoms you should watch for. Doctors said a fever of 101 or 102 is no cause for alarm as long as the fever eases after a day or two. They stress that you should take your child to see a doctor if something more unusual happens.

"I think if the fever has been 102 to 103, then it's down to 101 or 100 and it suddenly goes back up, that for example is unusual," Dr. Huff said.

Dr. Joani Jack, a general pediatric practitioner, said children should see a doctor "if you are having trouble getting them to wake up, if you can't get them to make eye contact with you or respond well to you or if they're showing signs of troubled breathing, bluish color to the face or signs of dehydration."

Most kids who get sick with the flu or colds and "the crud" will usually respond well with over the counter drugs along with plenty of fluids and rest.

"If it's important enough to keep them home from school, it's important enough to keep them home from everything else," Dr. Jack said.

An that's the best way to keep the flu, or any other illness from spreading.

Doctors said never give any child under 18 years old aspirin for flu or flu-like symptoms since that can cause a serious reaction. That includes over-the-counter multi-symptom drugs that contain aspirin. Tylenol and it's generic substitute, or ibuprofen in older children is fine.

Doctors add that if any baby up to three months old develops a fever call a doctor right away. And of course all children with respiratory problems like asthma or cystic fibrosis should always get checked if they get sick.

To learn more about swine flu, go to this website:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/key_facts.htm