Swine flu has parents second-guessing children's symptoms

by John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

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According to the National Coalition on Health Care, in 2006 nearly 12 percent of all children in the U.S. were uninsured.

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By WSBT News1

Story Created: Apr 29, 2009 at 4:42 PM EST

Story Updated: May 3, 2009 at 11:14 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Children, especially those under 2, are at risk for swine flu. But across the nation, officials are not taking any chances with school-age children. Locally, pediatricians noticed an increase in calls from parents concerned about their kids.

The swine flu fears continue making the rounds.

The Centers for Disease Control confirms at least 91 cases throughout the country and the nation's only reported death — a 23-month-old in Texas — is keeping doctors' offices very busy.

"We've gotten quite a few phone calls," said Dr. Glen Davis, pediatrician at the South Bend Clinic. "Most of the kids that we see are in pretty good shape."

The news from his office is positive so far.

"We hope that's what we'll continue to see," Davis said.

Parents' concerns are in full swing.

"It's very difficult to say what will happen with this virus," said Davis.

Around the nation, officials aren't taking any chances.

In Texas, workers shut down one of at least 40 schools in the state to scrub and disinfect desks and classrooms.

In Chicago, officials closed an elementary school for a few days, just as a precaution, after reports of a student who attends school there was screened for swine flu.

"Kids have their hands in all types of places," said Davis. "They tend to put themselves at higher risk."

While everyone is at risk, it increases for children younger than 2, adults over 55, and people suffering from a chronic disease that makes it difficult to fight an infection.

Dr. Davis says hand-washing and sanitizers are a good start to fight the flu.

But the key is common sense.

"If you think your child is sick with a high fever, and not feeling like himself, that's a child that shouldn't go to daycare, school, or out to play dates." Davis said. "That's a kid that should stay home and recuperate."

Doctors advise practicing good hand-washing techniques with your child and follow the same procedures in effect during the cold, winter months used to avoid typical strains of flu.

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