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Tragic Swine Flu Death Expected
There's no doubt that the swine flu death of a 22-month old baby is devastating. But it's important for the public to understand that this was expected and that this does not mean that the swine flu outbreak is getting exponentially worse.
We knew that there were quite a few people in Mexico that had died from swine flu. And there's no logical reason to expect that the illness would be any less severe than in the U.S. So while it's very tragic and heartbreaking to think of a little baby dying from swine flu, it's unfortunately expected with the flu.
It's important to keep in mind that in an average flu season -- and I'm talking about the normal winter flu season -- about 36,000 people die from the flu. Let me repeat that -- 36,000 people! Yes, that's a huge number and most people are shocked when I tell them that. But it helps drive home a very important point.
All types of flu are very serious and should not be taken lightly. That's why I, and the other doctors and health professionals at WebMD are always trying to drive home the point of flu prevention.
Preventing the spread of swine flu is up to us -- not the government. Sure, the government is going to do everything it can to contain the virus as much as possible -- and take steps to protect people as much as they can, such as by making antiviral medications more available.
But we -- you and me -- have the true power to prevent spread of swine flu. Swine flu prevention is not rocket science -- wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, stay home if you're sick and make your child stay home if he/she is sick. While it's not foolproof, they are the most effective strategies we have for preventing spread of respiratory viruses, like swine flu.
Keep in mind that no one is suggesting that tens of thousands of people are going to die from swine flu. At this point, thankfully deaths are quite rare -- but will happen.
WebMD is staying on top of this story to keep you informed throughout the day. Our Swine Flu Guide has everything you need to know from prevention and swine flu symptoms to when you need to call your doctor.
We're hearing from our users and quickly responding to their questions with more information.
Is there something you've been wondering about swine flu but can't find anywhere? Let me know and we'll find the answer for you.
We knew that there were quite a few people in Mexico that had died from swine flu. And there's no logical reason to expect that the illness would be any less severe than in the U.S. So while it's very tragic and heartbreaking to think of a little baby dying from swine flu, it's unfortunately expected with the flu.
It's important to keep in mind that in an average flu season -- and I'm talking about the normal winter flu season -- about 36,000 people die from the flu. Let me repeat that -- 36,000 people! Yes, that's a huge number and most people are shocked when I tell them that. But it helps drive home a very important point.
All types of flu are very serious and should not be taken lightly. That's why I, and the other doctors and health professionals at WebMD are always trying to drive home the point of flu prevention.
Preventing the spread of swine flu is up to us -- not the government. Sure, the government is going to do everything it can to contain the virus as much as possible -- and take steps to protect people as much as they can, such as by making antiviral medications more available.
But we -- you and me -- have the true power to prevent spread of swine flu. Swine flu prevention is not rocket science -- wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, stay home if you're sick and make your child stay home if he/she is sick. While it's not foolproof, they are the most effective strategies we have for preventing spread of respiratory viruses, like swine flu.
Keep in mind that no one is suggesting that tens of thousands of people are going to die from swine flu. At this point, thankfully deaths are quite rare -- but will happen.
WebMD is staying on top of this story to keep you informed throughout the day. Our Swine Flu Guide has everything you need to know from prevention and swine flu symptoms to when you need to call your doctor.
We're hearing from our users and quickly responding to their questions with more information.
Is there something you've been wondering about swine flu but can't find anywhere? Let me know and we'll find the answer for you.
79 Comments:
Can a person be a carrier of the swine flu and not appear to be sick? Also.....if so, how long could they be a carrier?
Once you're exposed to the swine flu virus, it can take 2 to 7 days before you get symptoms. So, yes ... you can be exposed and not appear sick. And yes, during that time you might be contagious. That's why it's so vitally important for us to practice extremely good hygiene with washing our hands because just avoiding sick people isn't enough. But if you're exposed to the virus and have no symptoms after 7 days, you're in the clear.
How devastating can this or any flu be to someone with COPD?
I have a 28 month old ans an 8 month old and both of them have coughs, but no fever. My 28 month old has a runny nose and sore throat also but my 8 month old has no other symptoms that I can tell. Is it possible they have swine flu?
My mother had swine flu in the early seventies, they later called it Gillian Barre Syndrome. Are these two different kinds of swine flu
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is not the flu, but it is a nerve disorder that can be caused by the flu or other viral or bacterial infection. It can cause numbness and sometimes paralysis. Supposedly people who got the swine flu vaccine in '76 got GBS.
do all people flying back from mexico need a blood test to determine if they have the virus or have been exposed to it?
does anyone know how long the swine flu lives outside the body?
I HAVE A 12 MONTH BABY AND HAS A RUNNY NOSE SHOULD I TAKE HER TO THE DOCTOR?
What is the prognonsis for a normal healthy individual who gets swine flu? How afraid should I be of the swine flu?
Lots of good questions here and let me see if I can address them all in one post ...
1. For someone with COPD, there is a higher chance of developing pneumonia with any type of the flu, including swine flu. If someone with COPD is exposed to someone with the flu, they should call their doctor to see about taking antiviral medications to help prevent getting the flu.
2. With just a runny nose and sore throat, it's unlikely to be the flu. When someone gets flu symptoms, they typically come on hard and fast. It's unusual for someone to just have sniffles for a few days and then get flu symptoms. So pay attention to your baby's symptoms but sounds like you have little to worry about. Of course if he/she gets sicker, let your doctor know.
3. Guillian Barre is a possible complication of having a viral infection, such as swine flu. GB is not a type of swine flu.
4. If you've returned from Mexico, watch for any symptoms. You do not need a test unless you develop symptoms. The overwhelming majority of people returning from Mexico will not get sick, which makes testing everyone unnecessary.
5. The flu virus can live in your body for up to 7 days after being exposed.
6. A runny nose is not a symptom of the flu. Symptoms of swine flu are cough, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches.
7. Almost everyone, thus far, has recovered completely from the swine flu. As of now, there are around 70 lab confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. and thankfully, but tragically, only one death in a baby. This means that in all likelihood, even if you do get the flu, after a few days you'll be on the mend. But the truth is we will likely see more deaths with time -- as more people become infected. But if we all do our part to help contain spread, hopefully we can get over this quickly! And remember, as I said above, 36,000 people die every year from the normal flu. I doubt you worry excessively every winter about that so you shouldn't do that now. Be cautious, practice good hygiene and just be watchful for anyone with flu symptoms and try to avoid them.
I believe someone asked how long the virus can live OUTSIDE the body. For instance, how long is a door knob toxic after someone with the flu sneezes into his/her hand and then touches the door knob?
i saw on the news, 2 hours on surfaces like phones, door knobs, etc
I did have the flu/cold but more flu like. Start to finish over three weeks, still a bit of cough left. Question is How would one know if it was swine flu? Is one a carrier? Should one be tested? And finally can one get it again? Traveled=Yes. sick = one week after traveling. Down Four days before feeling better. Southern climate, Caribbean, tropics. Signed Wondering
Would you suggest the wearing of a mask? I heard that the germ was so small that it could penatrate through a mask.
once a person recovers from a
flu like illness, is here any way to tell if it was swine flue?
I was in Mexico and many people were complaining of a very bad flu, head ache, muscle pain and a cough that persisted. Could they have had swine flu?
I'm worried since my Tamiflu packet is 5 years old and we can't get any here so the local hospitals will depend on the stockpiled antivirals. How old are the U.S. Tamiflu and Relenza stocks (or what is their age range)? Tamiflu prescriptions give a 2-year expiration date; is any of the stockpile Tamiflu older than this? And have Tamiflu or Relenza efficacity beyond their expiration dates (and to what degree)?
My son is 6 months with a cough, but no other symptoms like the swine flu and no fever. My 2 year old has a runny nose with a cough and no fever. I have a cough, stuffy nose, and lost my voice with no cough. Should we all get looked at for the swine flu?
My 6 moth old son has a cough, my 2 year old has a cough and runny nose, I have a cough, stuffy nose, and lost my voice. Our symptoms began on Sunday and no one has had any fever. Should we get looked at for the swine flu?
Donna
My sister is leaving tomorrow for a Mexican vacation....Our entire family has tried to talk her out of doing this...with no luck. Dr. Smith, do you think this is as dangerous to her health as we do? Yes she has read the information and says she has as much chance of contracting this flu here in the United States as she would in Mexico. Your response would be much appreciated. Thank you.
I have a bad cough, and for the last 4 days I have woken up with numbness in my hands. I dont feel anything for at least an hour. Are these symptoms of the swine flu?
Lesley said I am planning a trip to Canada in July. Since we do not know what the situation will be, and because it is not always easy to get to a doctor while travelling, a doctor in Europe suggested it might be a good idea to buy one of the two antiviral drugs to keep at hand. It might be in short supply if things get bad. If I don't get the flu and have to throw the things out when they expire, well put it down to very good luck. What do you think?
I am a 55 y.o. female with RA. I am due to take an immunosuppressant (rituxan) via I.V. on May 8th. Should I do this treatment or look for something else? I am due to travel to New Mexico then 3rd week in May.
If the W.H.O. has raised the pandemic level to Level 5, why are they not making the vaccines available right now at Dr.'s offices and clinics before we all get the flu and it's too late for a vaccine?
If I am scheduled for surgery (not an emergency) over the summer and a pandemic is declared, should I postpone the surgery (since hospitals won't be the safest place to be during the pandemic)?
How long do these types of things usually last is this the beginning of a year long or a month long or how long of an ordeal is this? And how is it going to stop. I know for the regular flu there is a "flu season" but we are well past that. And we know everyone is not going to follow the standards of staying home if they are sick.
While the continued spread of Swine Flu (H1N1) is no laughing matter, I strongly believe that someone in an official government capacity needs to reign in the media outlets. At least one FOX affiliate in my part of the U.S. is providing sound bites which will only cause more fear and panic. Right now what we need is well-informed citizens who can take the lead in preventing the spread of the disease and sensational newsreporting isn't going to do it.
Since this is a new virus I know it will take time to develop and produce a vaccine. About how long will that probably take? When do you think will get the vaccine?
I have to fly to care for my parents this weekend. My mom is on remicade (sp?) which compromises her immune system. Should I wear a mask while travelling to prevent contracting the flu and possible passing it to her? I am flying from Dallas to Orlando. I am concerned about the time on the plane in the confined space - especially in light of VP Biden's comments this morning!
Can you provide anymore information on the age demographic that seems to be the most susceptible to this virus?
Can you provide anymore information on the age demographic that seems to be the most susceptible to this virus?
Who does the Swine Flu affect? Babies and the elderly? Or can anyone get it? If so, how many schools have closed because of this illness?
Thanks for telling us that the Tamiflu meds are a prescription only drug. You are the only ones that have said anything like that. The media gave the impression that it was available over the counter.
Thanks
I am very worried about my children and school. One of my biggest concerns is the water fountains that the kids drink from.It doesn't appear that they are cleaned very often and the young kids touch their mouth right on the fountain part. There is probably 300+ thirsty kids a day drinking out of the fountains after an active recess !! I don't want my children using these water fountains,however they have no other way to hydrate themselves as the schools will not allow the children to bring an extra water bottle to school. I feel that with this swine flu or even any flu season they should shut down all the water fountains and let the children bring water bottles to school! After speaking with the school nurse, they do not want to do anything that drastic just yet!
Why wait? I would love to hear others thoughts on this! Am I going overboard or too far? At this time there are no cases in our state but there are cases in neighboring states.
thanks ever so much for your complete answers to the questions.
I was in Dallas/Ft. Worth from Monday 4/20 to Thursday 4/23. On Friday evening (24th) I started to get a sore throat. Saturday it got worse and I started having joint and muscle pain along with a "vice" like headache(is persistant to this day). Felt ill all weekend long, went to the Dr. on Monday...gave me a rapid strep test and pain relief for headache and sent me home. Dr. called Tuesday evening to see how I was, and I was actually starting to feel better. Now it is Thursday and my chest has become very heavy and I have a productive, yucky cough (and, still the headache. I have been working from home all week, which I feel so fortunate I can do that. Am a bit concerned it may be swine...now today, 16 yr old daughter has a bad sore throat...kept her home from school. I am feeling confused as to what I should do!
What are the similarities / differences if any between the Swine Flu 2009 type H1N1 and the Spanish Flu of 1918 type H1N1?
Does anyone realize that this child came from Mexico, and that he was already sick with the flu before he came. People need to be cautious, not panic. The flu, even the most common flu, can and does kill thousands of people a year.
i am positive that i took the swine flu vaccine around 1983/84. will i need to be as calm as someone who is on Tamiflu? Also i am diabetic, 69 and have had breast cancer but now in remission. Am i in serious trouble with getting the swine flu more than the younger generations? Just am healing from three broken ribs!
My wife took her 24 month old baby girl to the walk in clinic today as she has had diarehha and a fever over 100 for the last three days.She was in the company of a friends son who was exposed to someone who recently returnd from mexico city.The little boy never did get sick .can he still be a carrier and not get sick. The doctors at the everret clinic said there was no need to test her for the h1n1 swine flu virus.With our grandaughters symtoms for the last three days and the contact with someone who was with someone who recently returned from Mexico.You would think the doctors would have at least checked for some strain of influenza. They sent my wife home with a sample bag to return to the doctors to check for ecoli.Should we be conserned? And is h1n1 a airborn virus?
This is a question. Is this the same swine flu that hit Europe rigt after WWI?
how can you tell if a toddler has the swine flu when their not able to communicate what their feeling?
I went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 4/4 to 4/11. On 4/18 I got a sore throat and felt tired. I woke from my nap that afternoon with more symptoms, like severe chills, a 101 temperature, body aches, headache, mucus in chest, cough, and a little bit of a snotty nose. I slept a lot and seemed to sweat it out, because my temperature dropped to 96 degrees after 2 days. I got a severe headache for two days 6 days after the initial symptoms(headaches are very rare for me, maybe once a year). 12 days after the first symptoms I still have a very sore throat that is swollen, an itch in my throat that brings on cough attacks, and some mucus from the lungs but much less than previously. I've been to a medical doctor only a few times as a child (37 now), am usually healthy, and don't take medicine. Does this sound like swine flu? If so, what are some steps to take to get better without the drugs? What is the typical duration of the swine flu in humans? Can a medical doctor still detect the swine flu even though symptoms first started 12 days ago?
what are the chances that a person will die if they have swine flu
If you do have the swine flu. How long does it normally last?
I am a type 2 diabetic what kind extra precautions should I take toward the Swine Flu? Because immune system is weak and I find myself getting sick easily. I go to a big college also students some are sick. I have been having sinus issues that been giving moderate body aches, sinus headaches, sinus pressure, and mild fevers. It felt like the flu to me.
Can a 16-month-old take the meds needed to treat this flu?
my 19 month old has had a fever of 39.6 for a week straight with one trip to the hospital last sunday, would the doctors have checked to see if she had the swine flu or was it too early (prior to outbreak news) We have not been in contact with anybody who has travelled and haven't been anywhere ourselves. Should we revisit the hospital if the fever and cold persists
I have a 20 month old he is on Amoxicillian and Clariton..He started taking Amoxicillian last Sunday and he got better but yesterday he started coughing again and now he just og up and has a fever now. Do you think I should take him back to be tested for the Swine Flu. I'm really scared.
if some one has swine flu...how long will it take before they die???
We were in contact with our friends' son who just tested positive for Type A flu but they said it will take up to 48 hours to confirm if it is swine flu or not. The parents and sibling tested negative. In the meantime, how concerned should we be? Should we stay away from people? Should I keep my son out of school (our friend's son's school is closed)? I don't want to get blamed for spreading anything.
I am responding to the person that is talking about their children and the water fountains at school. I too totally agree with you! NO! You are not going over board, you are responsible for the health and wellbeing of your kids. This is what i did. I went to my kids principle and told him that they were going to bring bottled water to school and use it only during recess and at p.e. just as they could have access to they water fountains only. That they were not allowed to drink out of the water fountains due to the swine flu outbreak. I also, told him that if this was a problem that I could get a note from our Dr. He of course didn't like it alot, but, allowed it. There are ways to handle this, just be gentle about it. I know my kids has one day left of school, this school year and then we are out for the summer. I 'm for one am ready. Good luck and GOD bless!
I am having a strange flu.Ive had it for (9 days) now. The flu like symptoms have downplayed dramatically since (day 6) but there is still mucus in the back of my throat, yet now my main concerns are for the constant and severe headache I have had for day (6,7&8& today 9) upon waking up in a cold sun sheltered room and ruling out heat migrane. (Day 1) was tiredness. (Day 2&3) was a back of the throat being sore and stuffed. (Day 4&5) was a runny nose. I had thought the flu had gone at this point but (Day 6,7&8) followed by these constant headaches at sides of the headand now a constant headache down one side of my head and pain at the back of this one side of my head and light headedness.
sounds like a really bad sinus cold. look up symptoms of meningitis also
Anonymous from May 31, 2009 6:45:00AM. Doing okay now, it went away by itself.
I took my 8 month old to the doc's a day ago for congestion and she said she was okay just use saline drops in her nose. She has since then gotten worse she has runny/stuffy nose, cough here and there, cold sweats, and fatigue. Should I take her back?
My son was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.....his symptoms began on a Tuesday....what is the timeline he could have been exposed to someone with the virus and how long after you are exposed does it take for the virus to come out. Are my family and I at risk for getting this virus...I guess my question is just because my son has it will we necessarilly get it.
a friend of mine has confirmed today i was in contact with her 2 weeks ago while she was sneezing and coughing. my 10 yr old son has had a runny nose and cough for the last 7 days am i being paranoid or should i be worried.
soz i made a spelling mistake it should have said my friend was a confirmed case today.
To the last anonymous poster, considering your friend has a confirmed case and your son is now ill, take him to his doctor to ensure he'll be fine. In addition, they will want to test and track him as part of the ongoing effort to keep a handle on all of this.
I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome in April of this year. After 2 rounds of IVIG treatments, the last of which was in May I am still suffering from extreme fatigue, dizzyness, hot flashes, muscle aches, and some loss of memory. I just generally do not feel well. My question is, is this a relapse or am I still trying to recover? My neurologist suggests that I go through plasma exchange, however this is a dramatic step to take if it is a normal part of recovery.
My daugther was tested positive for the flu type A, the doctor said that 99% of the positive test were comming back as swine flu so, they are treating her with the tamiflue, the next day my son and I started getting the same synthomps, and now finally my husband too. After the kids started taking the Tamiflu the fever went away ,they still have cough and runny nose. My husband and I are not taking anything, but the muscle pain is very severe, we also have a lot of pain in the middle back and chest. How long should it take us to recover without any medicine ,and when should I sent the kids back to school? After we recover can we get it again?
I have a 13 yr. old son who has an immune deficiency and a 20 mth old. daughter. She started getting sick 3wks ago started with a runny nose and high fever with in a week it went into her lungs, also not eating well an has had some diarrhea Dr. said it was viral pneumonia. My son a few days later also got sick, his has remained in his nose and throat and my son has just had complaints of a bad stomach pain.. They put them both on antibiotics an steroids an neb. treatments every 6 to 8 hrs and cough medicine. After 2 to 3 wks. they started improving. They checked her cbc an they said her viral count was off the chart, an they did a nasal culture also for the flu; it was neg. after a couple of days doing well, she is now getting sick again. Could this be a flu and can it come back again and how long does it usually last or how long can you have symptoms? Should they be taking an antiviral medicine?
I am a type 1 diabetic that has been experiencing fear due to the symptoms i am having that may be consistent with swine flu,goin on my 4th day and seems like its getting worse,as well as my diabetes.,i am looking for some options on what to do,am really scared
I have mitral valve prolapse and irregular palp. I have no fever but I have body aches, chills. night sweats, hot flashes, cough, sore throat, it all hit very fast. I was training two girls on Friday at my desk all day and both of them were told on monday that they have swine flu. If I have it, what will it do with my heart problems? Can it put me at greater risk considering my blood pressure is through the roof? Thanks!
I am a medical assistant at a family practice office. I am in my early twenties and do not have any known heath problems. I was diagnosed with the H1N1 last week and now six days later I am still suffering from a horrible headache. OTC meds do not help...pain meds do help bu the headache comes right back. So far no other testing has been ordered for me. I am scared that something may be wrong. How long should I let the headaches continue before I go forward with other testing..such as a CT of the Head? I do not like taking pain meds around the clock because I am a zombie! Right now I am taking Midrin and it is helping some but not much! What should I do?
i have an 11 years old girl, she had severe temp and fatigue for 5 days, her test results came negative to swine flue at the begining, but yesterday they said it is swine flue.i didnt give her tamiflue, her temp is back to normal now but she is sleeping all the time and refuses to talk or comunicate with others. is she in danger?
My son was diagnosed with H1N1 on Monday (he is 13 months). His fever broke on Wednesday and we was fever free since then. He has had a really bad cough that keeps him up at night. Today he had a temp of 99.4 and is still really coughing and has a congested snotty nose, plus he is very crabby. He still drinks his water and still eats. Should I be concered? I am waiting to hear back from the doctor, but I thought I read if symptoms come back it might be serious.
oops. I meant "he was". Sorry about the typo!
If you get the H1N1 flu shot, you will be immune to getting the swine virus?
Im pregnant and my husband urges me to get the H1N1 vaccine but Im scared! I dont know how it will affect my baby. He tells me that the vaccine takes the same process as the original flu shot but... what makes the H1N1 flu shot different than the regular shot? If they take the same steps, then whats the difference? I don't get it and I dont beleive it! The vaccine has to have something different. Its too new and Im worried that in a couple of months the real side effects show!!
My 16 year old daughter was diagnosed with H1N1 on Monday of this week. She was perscribed Tamiflu and so was her little sister (not currently with the flu but high risk) and the Dr also perscribed it to me to prevent us from getting the flu. I am hosting a baby shower for my girlfriend who is 7 months preganant on Sunday this week, is there any possibility that I could carry the virus and infect her? I need to understand the risk to see if I need to cancel the shower.
Hello, I am 62, and I have a Aortic Anuerysim, and I had my aortic valve replaced in 2002 , I have Spondalosis, have had 5 strokes, should I be concerned about getting the H1N1 shot...... I take a wide variety of meds for this 2 BP pills, 2 pain pills a day Morphine, coumadin, etc...... and presently I am getting 2 shots of testostrone a month, will I have any complications from any of these meds?
I have a 3.5 year old and a 1.5 year old. Should my 1.5 year old take Tamiflu as a prophylactic.
Also we (parents) are school teachers- should we stay home
my wife works with a woman who's child was diagnosed with the h1n1 virus and now my 18 month old baby has a tempature of 100 degree temp and we can't break it so is this a symptem of the h1n1 virus? if so what do i have to do to get it under control?
My 30 month old daughter recently had a fever nearly 3-4 weeks ago, and just a few days ago she came down with a fever and a cough now. Just tonight while I was watching her sleep, I noticed that her nose was bleeding and she was having a hard time breathing, so I elevated her head and wiped her nose. Should I be worried that she might have the swine flu? What should I do? It was very scary seeing that for the first time.
I have been exposed to swine flu from wife and daughter who tested positive. I tested negitive. I was ill with flu like symptoms the last week in Oct and I still have some effects and both my wife became ill by 10/30/09. Is it possible to carry the swine flu, spread it to others, and test negitive? 11/6/2009 Joe
how long till the virus is gone
My sister was diagnosed with GBS in the late `70s, though we can't recall whether it was post flu shot. My question: Since she's had GBS, are any other family members at higher risk of GBS, especially with flu shots, than the public at large?
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