A(H1N1) death toll reached 62

As of yesterday 3 more deaths have been reported from the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, bringing the overall death toll to 62.

Latest victim were a 6 year-old child with Down Syndrome and a hole in the heart who died on Thursday of "pneumonia with underlying Down Syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. Another was a 3year-old also succumbed to H1N1 complications after being admitted to the hospital on Aug 1 for fever and cough and suffering breathing difficulties for five days.

There were delays in administrating anti-viral treatment to the victims although being admitted to hospital. The Health Ministry is currently checking on why there was a delay. This is a very serious matter where such delay has caused death due to late treatment. This shouldn't be happening since the death toll is getting serious. Early detection and treatment is the vital key to fight this deadly virus.

Another alarming statistic parents need to take heed is the raising numbers of children succumbed to A(H1N1). Precaution methods (refer to US CDC recommendations) and monitoring constantly need to be done on our children. So parents be on high alert if children starts to be give early flu like symptoms and monitor their breathing sign.

A(H1N1) affects more to high risk group

People with certain health conditions may face special medical challenges during flu season.

These health conditions include:

• Pregnancy

• Cancer

• Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)

• Chronic lung disease [including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Kidney disorders

• Liver disorders

• Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord)

• Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)

• People with weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS or those who are receiving chemotherapy)

It’s important to remember that people who have one or more of the conditions listed above can have a more severe illness from any influenza infection, including illness with the new H1N1 virus. Unless your health care provider says not to, keep taking your medication even if you become sick with the flu. If you have one of these health conditions and you develop flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Flu-like symptoms (including the symptoms of the new H1N1 flu) include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have diarrhea and vomiting.

If you have one of the health conditions listed, during a flu outbreak you should:

• Seek medical attention if you have a fever and symptoms of the flu.

• Limit contact with crowds and avoid crowded places. If you can’t avoid crowded settings, consider wearing a facemask or respirator to decrease your chances of getting infected. Be careful not to touch your face and wash your hands often.

• It is estimated that staying at least six feet away from a person who sneezes or coughs may be a safe distance.

• Talk with your doctor about having a two-week supply of medication.• Keep the name, phone number, and office address of your doctor or health care provider with you at all times. Find out the best way to communicate with your doctor.• Get a written record of the kind of chronic disease(s) you have and the treatment you are receiving. Keep this information with you at all times.

• Prepare a typed or printed list of all medications usually taken and the times of day they are taken. Also include necessary medical supplies or equipment such as syringes, strips, lancets if you have diabetes, or oxygen if you have COPD.

• Determine how you will access ongoing medical care such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Ask your health care provider if they have a plan to deal with a severe flu outbreak (including new H1N1 flu).

• If you use medications for your condition, continue taking it even if you become sick with the flu, unless your doctor or health care provider says otherwise.

• Be alert to changes in your breathing, especially if you have heart failure, congestive heart disease or COPD. Promptly report changes to your doctor or health care provider.

• Inform family members or close friends of your medical condition.

Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents

How can I protect my child against flu?

Get a seasonal flu vaccine for yourself and your child to protect against seasonal flu viruses.Take everyday steps to prevent the spread of all flu viruses.

This includes:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Teach your child to take these actions too.
• Try to keep your child from having close contact (about 6 feet) with sick people, including anyone in the household who is sick.
• Keep surfaces like bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by sick persons in your household in the trash.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

If your child is 5 years or older and otherwise healthy and gets flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, consult your doctor as needed and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.

If your child is younger than 5, or of any age and has a medical condition like asthma, diabetes, or a neurologic problem and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, call your doctor or get medical attention. This is because younger children and children who have chronic medical conditions (like asthma or diabetes) may be at higher risk of serious complications from influenza infection, including the new H1N1. Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child’s illness.

What if my child seems very sick?

Even children who have always been healthy before or had the flu before can get a severe case of flu. Call or take your child to a doctor right away if your child of any age has:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough

For more details, please go http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents/