H1N1, or swine flu, first made an appearance in April of 2009. Like the seasonal flu, swine flu is transmitted from person to person. Infants under two years of age are said to be at a higher risk of developing complications from H1N1, per the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP). Infants with other health concerns such as asthma, diabetes or neurological problems are also at a higher risk of complications from swine flu infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu prevention requires diligent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer and remaining at home while sick. Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the seasonal flu, but children and infants may not exhibit typical symptoms, and they may be more severe.
Fever
An infant has a fever when her temperature exceeds 98.6° F. Infants below three months of age require medical attention when the body temperature reaches 100.4° F or higher. Beyond three months of age a fever of 102.2° F requires medical attention. If a fever lasts for more than three days, contact your doctor. A fever is just one possible sign of swine flu, but it is not always present. Use fever-reducing medication that has been approved by your doctor to lower her temperature. If the temperature continues to rise despite your efforts, it may be attributed to the flu and require medical attention.
Chills & Body Aches
Individuals with the flu may experience the chills or body aches. According to Flu.gov, infants may have these same symptoms along with headaches. However, the National Library of Medicine suggests infants may not have chills, which can be seen in the form of shakes or raised bumps on the skin (goose bumps). Recognizing a headache or muscle pain may be difficult in infants. If your child does not wish to be held or grimaces or cries out when touched, he could be experiencing body aches.
Common Symptoms
Recognizable symptoms of the flu in infants include coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and lethargy. They also point out that infants may not have a cough or other respiratory issues with the flu. Occasionally, there have been reports of vomiting and diarrhea. These cold-like symptoms appear suddenly and may disappear and reappear more intensely with a fever.
Serious Symptoms
According CHMC, an infant exhibiting any of the following symptoms should be taken for medical care immediately: fast breathing or difficulty breathing; bluish or gray skin color; not drinking enough fluids; severe or persistent vomiting; lack of alertness; difficulty waking up; or little or no desire to play.
