Protecting Your Baby from Swine Flu Tyldesley
Protecting Your Baby from Swine Flu
Swine flu, which has been declared a pandemic, has claimed the lives of some due to complications. Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable, raising concerns among parents.
H1N1 or swine flu was first discovered in pigs, but in the past year humans have become infected. Even babies are vulnerable to the disease and would need urgent medical attention if diagnosed as having contracted it. As a result, parents should be aware of the symptoms in order to get immediate treatment for their infant. Swine flu is a little hard to distinguish from ordinary flu, but there are some key indicators parents should look for.
Babies with swine flu will most likely have the same symptoms as ordinary flu. However, if the fever is more than 101° F, it could be swine flu. A worsening cough can also be an indication of this disease.
Babies who develop rashes and have fever may have swine flu, while others may have skin discolouration. If these symptoms present themselves, it would be advisable to seek medical help immediately. During these early stages, the baby may stop drinking fluids, which may lead to dehydration.
Other symptoms of swine flu include breathing problems. Infected babies may experience rapid breathing or shortness of breath. Adverse effects and complications may develop if this is left untreated.
Other symptoms of swine flu infection in babies include acute body ache and an inability to wake up. The baby should be taken to a hospital for emergency treatment if it develops any of these severe symptoms. Swine flu can be a deadly virus, but antiviral medications are available to combat the disease.