Articles Tagged ‘H1N1’
What is this new influenza A(H1N1) virus? This influenza A(H1N1) virus (previously known as “swine flu”) was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. What can I do to protect my baby? Take everyday precautions. In addition, take extra care to wash your hands often with soap and not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face while feeding your baby, or any other time you and your baby are close. If you are ill, or coughing and sneezing, consider wearing a mask. Does breastfeeding protect babies from this new flu virus? There are many ways that breastfeeding and breast milk protect babies’ health. Since this is a new virus, we don’t know yet about specific protection against it. Mothers pass on protective antibodies to their baby during breastfeeding. Antibodies are a type of protein made by the immune system in the body. Antibo...
As a parent you know how hard it can be for children to understand stressful situations, such as the current situation of swine flu or influenza A(H1N1). Stressful situations often cause children to worry and have many questions as to why it is happening and how it can be fixed. It is important to remember to take care of your health and well-being as well as the health of your children. If you cope with a stressful situation well, your children will also cope better. Your confidence and calm attitude will help your children ease their worries and feel safe and secure. Here are some helpful tips on what you can do for your children: Keep activities as consistent and normal as possible even if your normal routine changes (due to daycare or school closures). Ask your children what they have heard about influenza A(H1N1). Answer questions openly and honestly, at a level they can understand. Be concrete and do not avoid difficult questions. Allow your children to express th...
from Associated Press by DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. Federal health officials said Thursday that almost 10,000 people had died of swine flu since April, a significant jump from mortality numbers released last month. A month ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that only about 4,000 had died. Officials also said that 50 million Americans, one sixth of the country, had caught the disease, and that 213,000 people had been sick enough to be hospitalized. Several flu experts said they were not shocked by the sudden jump because the new figures were as of Nov. 14, when this fall’s wave of swine flu cases was reaching its peak. The previous estimate of 4,000 deaths, issued last month, was only through mid-October. By next month, deaths should not have risen quite as abruptly because the fall wave is tapering off and hospitals have fewer people in intensive care, experts said. “I’m not surprised,” said Lone Simonsen, an epidemiologist at George Wa...