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For most, treating H1N1 no different than regular flu

Don’t rush to doctor at first symptoms of swine flu, experts say.

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By Lindsey Hilty, Staff Writer Updated 9:58 AM Friday, September 18, 2009

Be cautious and vigilant, but when it comes to the flu, there is no need to panic, health officials say.

“What parents need to understand is it is just the flu,” said Katherine Setter, media relations associate for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “Everything we have seen is it is no more serious than the normal flu at this point.”

Don’t flock to doctors’ offices at the first sign of flu symptoms, because unless there are extreme or life-threatening symptoms, the best treatment for flu is rest, she said. Monitor symptoms and call a family physician with questions or concerns, she said.

Because it isn’t the typical flu season yet, if flu symptoms emerge, it most likely is the H1N1 virus and does not need to be verified through a test.

“We are testing the vaccine, but it isn’t ready yet. The best thing that parents can do now is wash hands, wash hands, wash hands, and if somebody is sick, stay home. It’s just good common sense,” Setter said.

The regular flu affects 25 million to 50 million Americans yearly. H1N1 has infected more than 43,000 people nationwide, according to University of Cincinnati infectious diseases expert Judith Feinberg.

“I think it’s safe to say it’s going to hit harder everywhere this fall when the true flu season rolls around,” she stated.

While influenza typically affects the very young and old or those with weak immune systems, this airborne virus is predicted to strike more young, healthy adults as well.

Area hospitals will not be administering tests for H1N1 through emergency departments, according to the Greater Cincinnati Health Council. Hospitals will perform testing based on the criteria set by respective state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because the state will only process tests for patients who meet these criteria. Those patients typically are those who are hospitalized. The only exception to the testing protocol may be requests from local or state health departments to test individuals who are part of a group or cluster that is at high-risk. Anti-viral drugs also are reserved for patients who are hospitalized or have underlying health conditions.

Lisa Huddleston, manager of communications for the Greater Cincinnati Health Council said some doctors may choose to test patients, but it costs between $200-400 for a test that essentially confirms what already was known — the patient has the flu.

“You’ve got the flu and you pretty much treat it the same way,” she said. “It’s a virus. You go home and you wait it out.”

If more severe symptoms occur or there is a chronic condition that would worsen with the flu, she said to call the doctor or seek medical attention. Specifically, she said to watch out for dehydration, because unlike the typical flu, H1N1 may cause gastrointestinal problems.

A vaccine for H1N1 will most likely be ready in October, and she said groups such as pregnant women and health care workers will be targeted to receive it first.

Most health care providers will have it, she said, but at this point it isn’t clear if there will be limited quantities or rationing. The vaccine is expected to be given in two doses three weeks apart. For more information, visit www.gchc.org.

Warning signs for urgent care in children include the following:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish or gray skin color and/or purple or blue discoloration of the lips

Signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when crying

Severe or persistent vomiting which may include being unable to keep liquids down

Inability to wake up or interact, is less responsive than normal and becomes confused

Irritability and lack of desire to be held

Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then return with a fever and worse cough

Seizures (such as uncontrolled convulsions) 

Emergency symptoms for adults include the following:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Purple or blue discoloration of the lips