Have your kids had swine flu? What were their symptoms?

[Christine]

Besides H1N1 and seasonal flu going around, there still are the everyday, garden-variety viruses that go around. I'm pretty sure my son had one last week.

He had ALL the symptoms that the OP listed and sounds a lot like what many in this thread listed. However, he tested negative on the flu swab. Because of the high false negative rate on the swab and the fact that he has asthma, he was given Tamiflu and took it within 24 hours of symptoms. It had no effect on him.

So, I'm just thinking he had a regular, viral upper respiratory illness.

 

[taximomfor4]

Besides H1N1 and seasonal flu going around, there still are the everyday, garden-variety viruses that go around. I'm pretty sure my son had one last week.

He had ALL the symptoms that the OP listed and sounds a lot like what many in this thread listed. However, he tested negative on the flu swab. Because of the high false negative rate on the swab and the fact that he has asthma, he was given Tamiflu and took it within 24 hours of symptoms. It had no effect on him.

So, I'm just thinking he had a regular, viral upper respiratory illness.

Wouldn't tamiflu, which is an antiviral that works on many (most?) viruses have worked on a garden variety virus as well?

In addition, many studies I ran across this morning showed that in MOST people given tamiflu, it only lessens symptoms by about a day. So instead of 6 days, you're sick 5...instead of 8 days, you're sick for 7. Of course, who knows how bad that virus he had would have gotten WITHOUT the tamiflu.

I guess I just wonder how they even know it's doing anything for anyone anymore.

 

[marciemi]

I know you're just saying what the slip says, but can anyone here explain why that would make sense?

Everything I understand about vaccines and immunity makes me think that can't possibly be correct? If I'm sure I've had Chicken Pox (for example), why would I get a vaccine for it? My natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity, and lasts a lifetime. Even as Chicken Pox has mutated, I'm still protected.

My guess would be just that the tests are so inaccurate (both in false positives and negatives) and that so few areas here are even testing any more, that they don't want people saying "oh, I was sick last week, I'm sure it was Swine Flu" and not getting the shot when they still need it. My only concern would be that somehow it would be dangerous to get the shot if you truly had had the disease, and it seems like they're trying to reassure everyone that it wouldn't be the case.

 

[preschoolmom]

My guess would be just that the tests are so inaccurate (both in false positives and negatives) and that so few areas here are even testing any more, that they don't want people saying "oh, I was sick last week, I'm sure it was Swine Flu" and not getting the shot when they still need it. My only concern would be that somehow it would be dangerous to get the shot if you truly had had the disease, and it seems like they're trying to reassure everyone that it wouldn't be the case.

That makes sense! I'm glad you posted it! I ADORE that picture of your boys in your siggy. I know I've read posts of yours before, where you said it was your absolute favorite from a long time ago.

 

[monkeybug]

Just curious for those of you saying to take the kids in - will your doctors even see them? They have all over the news here, in the papers, etc., that if you think you have Swine Flu - you probably do. There's nothing they can do for you and do NOT come in unless you have any underlying conditions. School districts have been closing here with nearly 50 percent of the kids out sick. But they're telling everyone not to come in with just that - so that they can treat those people who are seriously ill. The papers are saying there's no reason for them to "confirm" it or not - treat it like you would a bad virus or any other kind of flu - bed rest, fluids, OTC drugs, etc.

I'm just wondering if that's the case and many people are being overprotective and taking their kids in (mine have been sick too, but like taximom, I was doing my best to avoid the doctor's office and picking up something else!), or if our area is being a bit irresponsible in telling everyone to just stay home!

In our area the flu is not so widespread that they are asking people to hold off on going to the doctor. I would take my kids in because they are young, and my daughter sometimes has asthma symptoms when sick (reactive airway disease) In some areas doctors may give children tamiflu if they test positive for influenza, but it's best if they are seen with in the first 48 hours.

 

[marciemi]

That makes sense! I'm glad you posted it! I ADORE that picture of your boys in your siggy. I know I've read posts of yours before, where you said it was your absolute favorite from a long time ago.

Thanks! Just a "pure luck" shot taken with a disposable camera, back in the good old days! And I didn't realize I still didn't have that line in my siggie (My favorite WDW picture ever of my guys) until you mentioned. Think I took it out for my countdown!

In our area the flu is not so widespread that they are asking people to hold off on going to the doctor. I would take my kids in because they are young, and my daughter sometimes has asthma symptoms when sick (reactive airway disease) In some areas doctors may give children tamiflu if they test positive for influenza, but it's best if they are seen with in the first 48 hours.

And if they have underlying symptoms (ie. asthma), they will still see them here. I just think right now the doctors offices are completely swamped. They said in the paper a 3 day wait for nearly any offices to get in unless it was literally life and death. By that point, it would be too late for the Tamiflu and if it was a virus, most likely they'd be over it by then anyways. I'm really hoping it's fading off here because I'm afraid to go to the Y, or the doctor (for any reason) or anywhere with a lot of people because it just seems like EVERYONE is sick - swine flu or not.

 

[Anne34]

My DD12 has what we think is the swine flu too -- 5 girls on her soccer team have had it and their symptoms are all about the same -- very bad headache, body aches, tired and fever about 101-102. She is eating fine and is a little congested, but that's it.

Doctors in our area are also not testing for it -- there is so much going around and not anything they can do unless you have an underlying condition. They said to just ride it our like the regular flu -- just hoping it doesn't go to anyone else in the family -- my DD16 and I both have asthma.

 

[golfgal]

Wouldn't tamiflu, which is an antiviral that works on many (most?) viruses have worked on a garden variety virus as well?

In addition, many studies I ran across this morning showed that in MOST people given tamiflu, it only lessens symptoms by about a day. So instead of 6 days, you're sick 5...instead of 8 days, you're sick for 7. Of course, who knows how bad that virus he had would have gotten WITHOUT the tamiflu.

I guess I just wonder how they even know it's doing anything for anyone anymore.

I am by no means an expert on Tamiflu but DS14 got some on Wednesday morning, had a 103 fever at the time, was down to 99 by that evening with NO motrin or tylenol, felt MUCH better the next day and by Friday was fine. It lessens the severity which is what is so nice about the medication, not so much that it shortens the time you have it.

 

[taximomfor4]

I am by no means an expert on Tamiflu but DS14 got some on Wednesday morning, had a 103 fever at the time, was down to 99 by that evening with NO motrin or tylenol, felt MUCH better the next day and by Friday was fine. It lessens the severity which is what is so nice about the medication, not so much that it shortens the time you have it.

Here is from the CDC, on what Tamiflu can do if prescribed: For treatment, antiviral drugs should be started within 2 days after becoming sick. When used this way, these drugs can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. (http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/antiviral.htm)

So my point was that your ds may have been getting better nearly that quick already (Not that being better on Friday, instead of Saturday, isn't a good thing, lol!!)

 

[Christine]

Wouldn't tamiflu, which is an antiviral that works on many (most?) viruses have worked on a garden variety virus as well?

I think it is fairly specific to influenza. And certain types at that. Relenza is another antiviral that works better on Type B, I believe.

And then there is Zovirax and Denavir which are antivirals that work well for Herpes. If any old antiviral worked, they could give Zovirax for influenza.

I don''t think it's that simple.

 

[Mermaid02]

Just curious for those of you saying to take the kids in - will your doctors even see them? They have all over the news here, in the papers, etc., that if you think you have Swine Flu - you probably do. There's nothing they can do for you and do NOT come in unless you have any underlying conditions. School districts have been closing here with nearly 50 percent of the kids out sick. But they're telling everyone not to come in with just that - so that they can treat those people who are seriously ill. The papers are saying there's no reason for them to "confirm" it or not - treat it like you would a bad virus or any other kind of flu - bed rest, fluids, OTC drugs, etc.

I'm just wondering if that's the case and many people are being overprotective and taking their kids in (mine have been sick too, but like taximom, I was doing my best to avoid the doctor's office and picking up something else!), or if our area is being a bit irresponsible in telling everyone to just stay home!

Our office will see them- we bring them in the back door- mask the child and parent at the door and then either take them directly into a room or into a special waiting area where EVERYONE is masked. We are also testing for the flu- and when positive the lab subtypes. As of last Wednesday EVERY positive flu we have had is H1N1... there is NO seasonal flu in our area yet.

 

[taximomfor4]

I think it is fairly specific to influenza. And certain types at that. Relenza is another antiviral that works better on Type B, I believe.

And then there is Zovirax and Denavir which are antivirals that work well for Herpes. If any old antiviral worked, they could give Zovirax for influenza.

I don''t think it's that simple.

EEEK. Just found this tidbit: According to the CDC, nearly all (99.6%) of the seasonal H1N1 flu strains tested are resistant to Tamiflu. I can't find anything official to back that up, just info that lots of H1N1 (NOT the swine flu, but the A from last year I think) developed resistance to Tamiflu and then spread that way. But that the OTHER A from last year (H3N2??) and Influenza B are NOT resistant to Tamiflu at all. I vaguely remember that influenzas (maybe viruses in general??) are very good at mutation, and do it rapidly...making resistance to a drug such a real worry.

I am not up on all my antivirals, but Tamiflu used to be much more useful, no?

 

[Pennykay]

EEEK. Just found this tidbit: According to the CDC, nearly all (99.6%) of the seasonal H1N1 flu strains tested are resistant to Tamiflu.

I am not up on all my antivirals, but Tamiflu used to be much more useful, no?

Wow!! Do you have the link for that? Thanks.

 

[taximomfor4]

Our office will see them- we bring them in the back door- mask the child and parent at the door and then either take them directly into a room or into a special waiting area where EVERYONE is masked. We are also testing for the flu- and when positive the lab subtypes. As of last Wednesday EVERY positive flu we have had is H1N1... there is NO seasonal flu in our area yet.

So help us out here -- are you seeing any other virus that's more than a simple cold? Trying to deduce what we've had around here. A local elementary school even closed in the district where DH teaches. ANd dd11 had 5 out of 8 teachers absent one day (or 2?) last week.

 

[taximomfor4]

Wow!! Do you have the link for that? Thanks.

ACK, I need to PROOF READ...I totally misread. Thanks for requesting the link...I found my error.

The majority of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses are susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medication oseltamivir; however, rare sporadic cases of oseltamivir resistant 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been detected worldwide. Since September 1, 2009, four cases have been identified in the United States, and a total of 13 cases of oseltamivir resistant 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been identified in the United States since April 2009 (10 viruses identified by CDC and three viruses identified by additional laboratories). The 13 total cases represent an increase of one case over the previous week. All tested viruses retain their sensitivity to the neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir. Eleven patients (including nine of the viruses detected at CDC and two viruses identified by the additional laboratories) had documented exposure to oseltamivir through either treatment or chemoprophylaxis, and the remaining two patients are under investigation to determine exposure to oseltamivir. Occasional development of oseltamivir resistance during treatment or prophylaxis is not unexpected. Enhanced surveillance is expected to detect additional cases of oseltamivir resistant 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses, and such cases will be investigated to assess the spread of resistant strains in the community (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly)/

 

[taximomfor4]

THat last link I posted has some interesting stuff...even about secondary infection.
Among the 43 deaths in children, 28 children had specimens collected for bacterial culture from normally sterile sites and seven (25.0%) of the 28 were positive; Staphylococcus aureus was identified in five (71.4%) of the seven children. One S. aureus isolate was sensitive to methicillin, three were methicillin resistant, and one did not have sensitivity testing performed. All seven children with bacterial coinfections were five years of age or older and four (57.1%) of the seven children were 12 years of age or older.

Regular antibiotics, given "just in case" would have done NOTHING for almost every single one of these poor children. it seems that the vast majority had no bacterial infections at all, and for the small percentage that did, it was more likely MRSA...MRSA isn't stopped by a zPack.

My kids' elementary school sent a letter home a month or so ago, that we had a kid at school diagnosed with MRSA. They didn't mention if it was respiratory, or an abscess on the skin. Nor what grade/classroom that child is in. Not that it would change how we're living life right now, but somewhat disturbing anyway.