Swine Flu in Toddlers

The swine flu, or H1N1, is a variation of the influenza virus that is unlike others in the past. Toddlers explore everything with their hands and mouths, making it easy to contract the swine flu. There are some things every parent should know regarding toddlers and H1N1.

Deaths

• About half of the children who die from the regular seasonal flu are under 4 years old. The swine flu, however, seems less fatal for toddlers since 80 percent of the children who have died were over the age of four.

Symptoms

• Symptoms that a toddler has swine flu include: difficulty breathing, refusing to eat or drink, an improve in condition followed by a return of fever and rash.

Warning

• Although a fever is one of the symptoms of the swine flu, never give a toddler Aspirin because he could develop Reye's syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Time Frame

• The flu virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours. If you suspect your child is sick, or if someone in the home has swine flu, disinfect toys and doorknobs often.

Prevention/Solution

• When you have a toddler sick with swine flu, it is difficult to prevent other members of the household from becoming ill. Make sure you wash your hands frequently, clean shared surfaces and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.