Catching a cold can make a person feel lousy for about a week, but imagine if that cold becomes worse and turns into a virus known as the Swine Flu, or H1N1. This can happen not only to adults but children as well.

Swine Flu/H1N1 is a virus that invades the bodies’ cells and takes over and destroys the immune system. The body tries to fight it but without antibiotics, it may be a losing battle if not monitored. Children, who are younger than 5 years old may have a hard time fighting this strain of influenza, especially those who are younger than 2 years of age. Infected children younger than 2 have a higher risk of hospitalization and outpatient and emergency room visits when compared to older children.

If you believe your child is suffering from this strain of flu, keep in mind these major warning signs: bluish skin (a rash which can mean a lack of oxygen), fast or troubled breathing, irritable behavior, bad eye contact, not wanting to be held, not drinking enough liquids, and not waking up or being interactive. If any of these major symptoms occur, then go immediately to the emergency room. Just keep in mind that if your child has a fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, aches/pains, headache or chills and fatigue, these could also be symptoms of the H1N1 or Swine Flu, so treatment would be needed right away. Health care providers must always use their best judgment when diagnosing children so they are not sent to the hospital with “just a cold”.

Studies of the Swine Flu/H1N1 strain continue and they found that infected children can be treated with 2 anti-viral medications. It is recommended that treatment start quickly and once the medication starts working, your child will soon be on the road to recovery.