The " SWINE" flu is here and so far has been milder than was feared last spring.

"On June 11, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert level from Phase 5 to Phase 6 indicating that an influenza pandemic is underway. The novel influenza A (H1N1) virus now will be referred to as “2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus ". Our first cases in Pearl River County were confirmed in July by the State Health Department.

  The official name has been changed to 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) which distinguished it from Seasonal Influenza A (H1N1). Confusing isn't it?

Specific "swine" flu testing [2009 Influenza A (H1N1)] is no longer being done. An Infuenza A quick screening test (which covers many subtypes of A) is being performed and there is then an assumption that if it is positive that it is the specific 2009 InfluenzaA (H1N1). During Aug 16-22, 2009, 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses.

During week 33 (August 16-22, 2009), influenza activity remained stable or continued to decline in most areas of the U.S. However, activity appears to be increasing in the Southeast.
A total of 8,843 hospitalizations and 556 deaths associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been reported to CDC an increase from 7,983 hospitalizations and 522 deaths from the prior week

The significance of this 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) is that it is not one of the strains that is covered by the regular flu shot. The "Regular" Flu shot covers seasonal Influenza A(H1N1) , other A strains and B strains which also are likely to hit this season.

The 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) is heavily concentrated in young people in their early 20's and younger. This is presumably  due to some cross immunity or partial immunity in older people from prior exposure.

The main symptoms are rapid onset of fever and mild upper respiratoy symptoms. If your child has fever,keep them home,give them plenty of fluids, you may give a dose of tylenol and see  or call your doctor the next day.

The main serious complication is a severe pneumonia. If  at anytime your child has trouble breathing ,take him to your doctor or nearest open medical facility.

NATIONALLY

There has been an increase in 2009 H1N1 influenza activity centered in the southeastern states, including Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. "On September 4, 24 primary and secondary schools in Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee announced that they had sent home a total of 25,000 students with flu-like illness thought to be caused by the H1N1 strain.", according to an article on Medscape.com.

New guidelines were issued this week

Antiviral agents should not be used for prevention in healthy persons based on community exposures.

Even in high risk persons who have been exposed to H1N1 flu, it might be wise to watch these persons closely and treat immediately if symptoms develop, but not as a preventative.

According to Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases,antivirals are a critical part of our tool kit in countering influenza, both H1N1 and other strains," Dr. Schuchat said. "But a key point is that most children, adolescents, and adults do not need antiviral medication if they develop a flu-like illness. Giving these medications when they are not needed could actually make things worse by promoting viral resistance."