The H1N1 influenza virus is the virus responsible for the swine flu. The H1N1 influenza virus primarily affects young people, children and infants. Infants are particularly vulnerable because they have never been exposed to similar viruses and because babies younger than six months old cannot receive the H1N1 vaccine.
Respiratory Symptoms
Common respiratory signs in infants with influenza H1N1 infection include runny nose and nasal congestion or stuffiness. Since infants breathe through their noses, the accumulation of mucous in the nose can cause airway obstruction and severe breathing difficulty. Other respiratory symptoms in infants include cough with production of phlegm and rapid breathing. Signs of respiratory distress include retractions (pulling in of chest muscles to help breathing), nasal flaring and head bobbing. Infants with severe respiratory distress may need breathing help with intubation and mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Infants with nasal congestion and runny nose caused by the swine flu have problems eating and drinking, and their intake of milk and food can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Infants with swine flu can also vomit frequently and have recurrent episodes of watery diarrhea. These symptoms can lead to severe dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include sunken fontanel, decreased urine output with decreased diaper use, dry lips and mouth and rapid breathing. If dehydrated, infants with the swine flu may need intravenous or nasogastric fluids (with a catheter going from the nose directly into the stomach).
Other symptoms
Infants with swine flu will also exhibit other symptoms. Fever is a common symptom. Most infants with fever will become irritable, restless, have decreased energy and interest in feeding, or become lethargic. Although fevers are a natural way for the body to combat infections, control of temperature is important. Seriously ill infants may actually have hypothermia, or low temperature, instead of fever, a condition referred to as temperature instability. Another concern with infants is that fevers may signal an underlying serious bacterial infection along with the swine flu. Other symptoms of swine flu in infants include rashes, discharge from the eyes and ear infections.
