H1N1 (Swine Flu) Resource Center

Physicians and researchers at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC are monitoring the progress of the H1N1 virus among the communities we serve in the region. As the situation changes we will provide updates here.

H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)
The H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu) is a new strain that appeared in 2009 — a hybrid of swine influenza, avian influenza, and human influenza. Seasonal flu shots do not protect people from H1N1.

Seasonal Influenza
All strains of influenza viruses cause contagious respiratory illnesses. Symptoms of influenza are usually mild and similar to the common cold. These viruses occasionally cause more severe respiratory symptoms, particularly in very young children and children with chronic illnesses. For seasonal influenza (human influenza), vaccines are available to help protect against infection. Flu season typically runs from November through April.

What should I do if my child is sick?
Most children will recover from H1N1 influenza with home care. It is not necessary to have your child seen by a physician to confirm a diagnosis of H1N1, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that most healthy children over 5 years of age with mild symptoms do not require treatment with antiviral drugs such as tamiflu. If your child is ill with flu-like symptoms (like fever and cough or sore throat) he or she should not go to school or day care and should not visit patients in the hospital. It may be appropriate to reschedule physicians' appointments at Children's Hospital that are unrelated to the current illness.

You can read more here from the CDC on taking care of your child.

Read the latest vaccine information from the CDC.

When to consult a physician
If your child shows:

• Trouble breathing or fast breathing 
• Not drinking well
• Not urinating as much as usual
• Bluish or gray skin color  
• Being irritable even after their fever goes down 
• Not waking up normally or interacting normally  
• Rash 
• The fever goes down and symptoms get better, but then get worse again in a day or two

Children under age 2 have a higher risk of complications than older children.

Children of any age who have an underlying medical condition, such as asthma, diabetes, another metabolic disease, chronic kidney disease, or sickle cell disease are at greater risk of complications.

What you need to know if your child is a patient at Children’s Hospital

What can I do to prevent infection?
Wash your hands! Good hand hygiene is effective in preventing the spread of any strain of flu virus and one of the most important actions you can take to stay healthy. Learn more about hand washing.

Learn more about the H1N1 virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention answers questions from the general public about swine flu 24/7 at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).