My Son Has Flu-Like Symptoms Today...

[Christine]

Tamiflu, in it's clinical trials, resulted in 38% symptom reduction and reduced time ill from 12 to 36 hours, depending on the patient. So it basically shortened to course of illness by about a day.

It's not a drug that will end the flu in 24 hours. Your friends child probably had a 24 hour virus that would have run it's course in 24 hours despite the Tamiflu.

No, actually in both cases, the children got a positive swab for influenza A and were very sick which is why their parents got them into the doctor so fast. They don't normally go for every little thing but the kids were both sick enough that they called and got them in. The first child was back in April, but the other coworker just had this happen 2 weeks ago. It's odd because the one coworker who had it happen recently has two sons. The one that got sick first went to the doctor right away, started Tamiflu and was VERY much improved the next day. The second child exhibited symptoms over the weekend and they could not get him in to the doctor. He went the following Monday, had a positive swab, but was too late to start Tamiflu and ended up being sick for 6 days.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I'm glad you took him in and got him started on Tamiflu. There have been a lot of false negatives from what I understand.

DD got a B strain of flu last Dec(despite her seasonal influenza shot) and had no problem with Tamiflu. DS took it also (was probably a B strain not in shots they received) to prevent the flu. No one had any issues with the medicine at all and it worked!

I remember last year that the A strains did NOT respond to Tamiflu, but H1N1, which is an A strain, does. B strains responded well too. I wonder if a seasonal A strain circulates this year if it will respond to Tamiflu or if things will get murky and confusing! A good reason for typing the strain.

I hope your DS feels better quickly and no one else gets it.

 

[jamimb]

Back from the doctor.

He tested negative for strep, and negative for influenza. The doctor is still prescribing Tamiflu because, apparently, the influenza swab has a high rate of false positives and with his asthma he just didn't want to take any chances.

He did say that in their patient population, the H1N1 has been *very* mild as compared to seasonal flu which has not been mild and that they are not giving any patients Tamiflu unless they have an underlying condition. The doc also said that since my son did not get a positive on the swab that he will still need to get an H1N1 vaccine. Apparently if you test positive you don't need the vaccine (since it's like having the vaccine).

I am an assistant teacher and we have had quite a few children in our school test positive for H1N1 and of the few parents I have spoken to have all told me that it was very mild compared to the regualar seasonal flu their children have had in the past.

 

[Christine]

I am an assistant teacher and we have had quite a few children in our school test positive for H1N1 and of the few parents I have spoken to have all told me that it was very mild compared to the regualar seasonal flu their children have had in the past.

Hey!! I remember your post from the other day. Did you ever end of developing a fever or something worse, or were you just not feeling well?

I don't think my son has ever had the seasonal flu. The last time he was sick was about 5 years ago, so right now, he is experiencing one of his worst illnesses ever. His fever is hovering at about 102.7 and that is on 600 mg of Motrin. He was feeling really bad this afternoon and wouldn't even watch TV and has not eaten. He finally got out of bed and has turned the TV on and said his body aches seem to have gone even though his fever is still up.

He just got a text from a classmate who also stayed home today. She woke up with a 103 degree temp and is now at 105. Her symptoms seem roughly the same but just to a more severe degree.

 

[LuvOrlando]

My DS11 is on high meds too, but we still have a plan to follow. What did your Dr's tell you to do if he deteriorates? Do you bring him right to the hospital? My DS11 is in the middle of another flare-up right now but other than severe cough and congestion he has no other symptoms... right now he would be in serious trouble if he caught the Flu so I keep praying he clears up soon. He is always on Advair and Allegra or Benedryl year round. He moves from the 115 to the 230 Advair when he shows any signs of cold or begins to cough, or shows symptoms. Also, right now he is on around the clock 2 vials of Pulmicort every 12 hours (double the normal dose )and 1 vial of Duoneb every 8 hours. If he needs it I can add in another dose of Albuterol 4 hours after his dose of Duoneb and 4 hrs before the next Duoneb dose. To stop his cough enough to sleep he sometimes needs a dose of Tussionex/ Coedine. I also have to keep Prednisone on hand at all times. As you can see his Action Plan is pretty complicated, I wish it could be less.

I can't stand that this kid is on all this stuff but I know he needs it, even with all of this the poor kid is coughing pretty badly. He was tested for the Flu but it came back negative and he has no fever. Still, I am watching his so closely for any hint of deterioration.

I really hope your DS recovers quickly.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Seems that once secondary infections occur, things can happen pretty quickly. I would be inclined to get one before that happens. Just a thought.

 

[jamimb]

Hey!! I remember your post from the other day. Did you ever end of developing a fever or something worse, or were you just not feeling well?

I don't think my son has ever had the seasonal flu. The last time he was sick was about 5 years ago, so right now, he is experiencing one of his worst illnesses ever. His fever is hovering at about 102.7 and that is on 600 mg of Motrin. He was feeling really bad this afternoon and wouldn't even watch TV and has not eaten. He finally got out of bed and has turned the TV on and said his body aches seem to have gone even though his fever is still up.

He just got a text from a classmate who also stayed home today. She woke up with a 103 degree temp and is now at 105. Her symptoms seem roughly the same but just to a more severe degree.

Thanks for remembering me! No, I did not have flu just a sinus infection. I was put on some antibiotics and Im feeling much better. Your son will feel much better when the fever breaks. I had the flu last year with a really high temp and felt like I wanted to die but once the fever finally broke I felt much better. As for your son'd friend I really hope he gets some medical care, 105 is a really high fever!!!

 

[debbi801]

Here's a link to one of the news reports about the high false negatives. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFluNews/rapid-flu-test-insensitive-h1n1/story?id=8665576 Apparently, the rapid test is not doing a good job detecting this strain.

We had the same issue and results here with my 16 yr old yesterday. He's on Tamiflu and bannished to his room. I know I am coming down with something too, but I am hoping it is only a cold. All I have is a tickly / scratchy throat like I usually get at the beginning of a cold.

 

[JessicaR]

I can imagine how bad he feels. Poor guy. When my kids have a decent fever this is what we do per our pediatrician. They feel so much better if I can control the fever.

For very high or stubborn fevers, alternate between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen every three hours (i.e., give a dose of Acetaminophen then three hours later give Ibuprofen then three hours later Acetaminophen, ect.) These two medications are safe to use together like this.
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T088900.asp

I'm really hoping the Tamiflu helps lessen his symptoms.

 

[disfan07]

Yeah i have asthma as well but unfortunately i cannot get either flu shot b/c i'm allergic to eggs so i have my pulmonologist and my cardiologist freaked out right now because the past 2 years I have ended up spending a week in the hospital with pneumonia secondary to the flu

Even if he's on the highest dose of meds as a PP said, there has still got to be an action plan of some sort in place. Ours is, if i have a flare that does not respond to 2 nebulizer doses, get my butt to the ER right away and if it does respond, get into see my dr. ASAP.

I'm on the maximum maintenance dose normally....symbicort 2x day, singulair, zyrtec and xoponex.
This week i had an asthma flare that sounded like someone had dumped a pool into my lungs so i'm now on symbicort, singulair, zyrtec, xopnex nebs w/pulmicort 2x day, xoponex HFA as needed and 40mg of prednisone

We also have a separate action/emergency plan for the flu specifically....the moment i feel any symptoms, i am to go to my pulmonologists to get tamiflu and if i am having ANY asthma symptoms at all, he will admit me immediately

I do have ONE vent about flu season and college students.....
I understand the problem with missing classes, i really do, but if you have the flu STAY HOME!!! It's not fair to people like me who can't get the flu shot (or anyone else for that matter) when you come into the class and TELL someone that you have the flu and are coughing everywhere. I don't understand pepole sometimes

 

[Christine]

Re: Asthma Plan

My son sees a pediatric pulmonologist 4 times a year. We have never developed a secondary plan more than increase the Advair dosage and use albuterol when required. And, actually, we have never had an occasion to do anything more even when he has a cold. His albuterol and increased Advair generally do the trick. I am supposed to call them if things don't respond, but they always have. A do have a nebulizer on hand but I have not used it since he was about 7 years old. So, I guess we've just never needed to formulate a plan because his asthma is considered moderate. But I know that I would call immediately should things even not respond and they'd have me at the ER pronto. They have a doctor that spends each and every day at the hospital.

Today: It is 6:00 a.m. and his fever is about 99.7. His last dose of Motrin was at 1:00 a.m. He was quite miserable yesterday but sometime around 8:00 p.m, when the Motrin was wearing off his fever went from 102.7 to 101.5. I took that as progress. That he has a fever this morning tells me that it's not over. I have noticed that this morning he is blowing his nose more and sounds more "snotty."

He claims his breathing is okay so far.

I'm hoping for *some* improvement today.

 

[cruisnfamily]

I can imagine how bad he feels. Poor guy. When my kids have a decent fever this is what we do per our pediatrician. They feel so much better if I can control the fever.

For very high or stubborn fevers, alternate between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen every three hours (i.e., give a dose of Acetaminophen then three hours later give Ibuprofen then three hours later Acetaminophen, ect.) These two medications are safe to use together like this.
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T088900.asp

I'm really hoping the Tamiflu helps lessen his symptoms.

My pediatrician told me recently that this is no longer recommended. I would double check with our Dr. first.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Re: Asthma Plan

My son sees a pediatric pulmonologist 4 times a year. We have never developed a secondary plan more than increase the Advair dosage and use albuterol when required. And, actually, we have never had an occasion to do anything more even when he has a cold. His albuterol and increased Advair generally do the trick. I am supposed to call them if things don't respond, but they always have. A do have a nebulizer on hand but I have not used it since he was about 7 years old. So, I guess we've just never needed to formulate a plan because his asthma is considered moderate. But I know that I would call immediately should things even not respond and they'd have me at the ER pronto. They have a doctor that spends each and every day at the hospital.

Today: It is 6:00 a.m. and his fever is about 99.7. His last dose of Motrin was at 1:00 a.m. He was quite miserable yesterday but sometime around 8:00 p.m, when the Motrin was wearing off his fever went from 102.7 to 101.5. I took that as progress. That he has a fever this morning tells me that it's not over. I have noticed that this morning he is blowing his nose more and sounds more "snotty."

He claims his breathing is okay so far.

I'm hoping for *some* improvement today.

It's fantastic that he gets relief that way. Just a word of caution about the albuterol. December 2008 they changed the formulation of the albuterol inhalers to be more 'green'. The new inhalers do not work particularly well for many Asthmatics because the new formulation does not propel the drug into the lungs as forcefully as the old formula. Obviously this spells disaster for a person who's respiratory tract is closing down. I have heard this from many people but trusted the Dr and Pharmacist who strongly affirmed there was zero difference. So when DS had a bad flareup in the Spring and his inhaler did absolutely nothing I was beside myself until I remembered I still had some older $4 albuterol inhalers and gave him that in addition, thankfully it worked. Now we almost exclusively use the albuterol vials for the nebulizer because that formula was not changed. We do have the hand held's because they are mobile but if there is any way at all to get him to a nebulizer, even at school, we go with that. I know every kid is different but I figured I would warn you just in case you haven't had the occasion to try out the new formula in 2009.

My fingers are crossed for you

 

[Christine]

So far so good, I think!

He's definitely developed full-blown respiratory symptoms now--more prominant cough, lots of nose-blowing, etc. His breathing is still good although he feels like most of us do when we have a cold (that congested heavy feeling), but no wheezing.

He woke up with a 99.7 temp that was up to about 102 by 11:00 a.m. and that was with Motrin. I gave him Tylenol in between and he seemed to perk up after that. His temp has been in the 99.8 range most of the day but has shot up again this evening. His throat is killing him and the Tamiflu is tearing up his stomach. I do think that the "peak" of this illness is over. He doesn't seem to have spiked as high most of today as he did yesterday and this morning.

Honestly, I'm thinking that this is probaby not influenza but some other virus. That's only because I don't really think he's gotten any type of benefit from the Tamiflu, but how do your really know, KWIM?

LuvOrlando--I know what you mean about the inhalers. They really don't work as well as the older ones. I too have a couple of the old ones around and that's what we are using today. I do think that I might call my pulmonologist and get a prescription for the nebulizer medicine. I don't feel like he needs it now but it would be nice to have on hand for any other illnesses that come about. And I have a feeling that after a few days of what he's got now, the wheezing is probably going to start at some point.

 

[JessicaR]

My DS11 is on high meds too, but we still have a plan to follow. What did your Dr's tell you to do if he deteriorates? Do you bring him right to the hospital? My DS11 is in the middle of another flare-up right now but other than severe cough and congestion he has no other symptoms... right now he would be in serious trouble if he caught the Flu so I keep praying he clears up soon. He is always on Advair and Allegra or Benedryl year round. He moves from the 115 to the 230 Advair when he shows any signs of cold or begins to cough, or shows symptoms. Also, right now he is on around the clock 2 vials of Pulmicort every 12 hours (double the normal dose )and 1 vial of Duoneb every 8 hours. If he needs it I can add in another dose of Albuterol 4 hours after his dose of Duoneb and 4 hrs before the next Duoneb dose. To stop his cough enough to sleep he sometimes needs a dose of Tussionex/ Coedine. I also have to keep Prednisone on hand at all times. As you can see his Action Plan is pretty complicated, I wish it could be less.

I can't stand that this kid is on all this stuff but I know he needs it, even with all of this the poor kid is coughing pretty badly. He was tested for the Flu but it came back negative and he has no fever. Still, I am watching his so closely for any hint of deterioration.

I really hope your DS recovers quickly.

Is DuoNeb Atrovent and Albuterol? We used to nebulize them separately when my son was little as part of his rescue plan. I'm just wondering if the combo is new. Is Combivent the same just in a hand held?

A few years ago our pulmonologist told us a study showed the hand helds were just as effective as nebulized meds. Not for my son they aren't. When he is really sick and we go to our rescue plan we nebulize. Especially like you said since they changed the albuterol inhaler. He does not clear at all. On a normal day he is OK to take a couple puffs but not when he is sick.

The worst times are when the rescue plans fail too. Too much prednisone and way to many days in the hospital. I don't know how old your child is but my son is 16 and he had his first attack at 9 months old. I am SO HAPPY to say his symptoms have lessened greatly. We were advised that they will likely return when he gets older but my fingers are crossed.

 

[Christine]

The worst times are when the rescue plans fail too. Too much prednisone and way to many days in the hospital. I don't know how old your child is but my son is 16 and he had his first attack at 9 months old. I am SO HAPPY to say his symptoms have lessened greatly. We were advised that they will likely return when he gets older but my fingers are crossed.

My son didn't get officially diagnosed until he was 6 y/o old. IMO, we did not have good care by our pediatrician's practice. No one would say he had asthma, be we struggled with every cold. It would just NEVER clear. He finally got so sick he ended up in the hospital for 6 days. My pediatrician(s) then referred me to the pulmonologist and we haven't had an issue since.

We have had some "rough" colds but that was when he was younger. I have to agree that in the last year or so (age 12,13, and 14) he has greatly improved. It's been nice not to worry so much. This is his first serious illness in many years and I'm hoping he comes through it without a major flare.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Is DuoNeb Atrovent and Albuterol? We used to nebulize them separately when my son was little as part of his rescue plan. I'm just wondering if the combo is new. Is Combivent the same just in a hand held?

A few years ago our pulmonologist told us a study showed the hand helds were just as effective as nebulized meds. Not for my son they aren't. When he is really sick and we go to our rescue plan we nebulize. Especially like you said since they changed the albuterol inhaler. He does not clear at all. On a normal day he is OK to take a couple puffs but not when he is sick.

The worst times are when the rescue plans fail too. Too much prednisone and way to many days in the hospital. I don't know how old your child is but my son is 16 and he had his first attack at 9 months old. I am SO HAPPY to say his symptoms have lessened greatly. We were advised that they will likely return when he gets older but my fingers are crossed.

Yes, Duoneb is a combination. It is very effective except for the fact that the Atrovent portion must be spaced every 8 hours and the albuterol may sometimes be needed every 4-6 which throws the Duoneb off. Then you add in the fact that the Pulmicort shouldn't be taken at the same time as the Albuterol, (I put 1 hr-45min between doses) and it can get very complicated very quickly. Because of all these factors we not only have the Duoneb but also have the Atrovent alone and the Albuterol alone. You should see my spreadsheet next to the Nebulizer Still, I won't complain, I feel very blessed to be living in a time where all these drugs are available for my son. I don't know what I would do without them.

As for the Inhaler vs Nebulizer, before they changed the formula I totally agree that there was zero difference between the $4 inhaler and the hundred dollar nebulizer and hundreds of dollars of vial drugs they require. Now though, the difference is night and day. I think the new inhalers are utterly useless and possibly dangerous because many infrequent Asthmatics don't even realize there was a change.

When the medication is not working fast enough we go from 10 minutes in the hot shower steam to a few minutes with either his head in the freezer or out the window if its cold enough outside, back and forth. He usually notices an improvement right away and at the least, it stops getting worse but if it ever continued to escalate I would call 911 without hesitation. Thankfully I have been able to avoid the hospital so far, but if my DS gets this Flu... it makes me ill to even think about it

 

[mjkacmom]

Yes, Duoneb is a combination. It is very effective except for the fact that the Atrovent portion must be spaced every 8 hours and the albuterol may sometimes be needed every 4-6 which throws the Duoneb off. Then you add in the fact that the Pulmicort shouldn't be taken at the same time as the Albuterol, (I put 1 hr-45min between doses) and it can get very complicated very quickly. Because of all these factors we not only have the Duoneb but also have the Atrovent alone and the Albuterol alone. You should see my spreadsheet next to the Nebulizer Still, I won't complain, I feel very blessed to be living in a time where all these drugs are available for my son. I don't know what I would do without them.

As for the Inhaler vs Nebulizer, before they changed the formula I totally agree that there was zero difference between the $4 inhaler and the hundred dollar nebulizer and hundreds of dollars of vial drugs they require. Now though, the difference is night and day. I think the new inhalers are utterly useless and possibly dangerous because many infrequent Asthmatics don't even realize there was a change.

When the medication is not working fast enough we go from 10 minutes in the hot shower steam to a few minutes with either his head in the freezer or out the window if its cold enough outside, back and forth. He usually notices an improvement right away and at the least, it stops getting worse but if it ever continued to escalate I would call 911 without hesitation. Thankfully I have been able to avoid the hospital so far, but if my DS gets this Flu... it makes me ill to even think about it

My twins have viral induces asthma, and have had it since they were 6 months old. I actually thought they outgrew it, but ds had a flair up last month, and dd on Friday. My pediatrican is great - after one scary trip to the ER in a snowstorm, she agreed to write me a prescription for prednisone (chewable - used to keep liquid in the fridge). I am usually good at judging when they need it, and it avoids a trip to the hospital (it's a miracle drug, even though they're bonkers on it). Luckily, I can usually catch it before it gets too bad, and do lots of breathing treatments. Sometimes it's hard, because even though they seem better to me, I've brought them into the doctor (once just to get the treatment plan filled out for school), and the peditrician will listen, and tell me to start the steroids.