The Metro Public Health Department received confirmation today of the death of a child as a result of H1N1 influenza. The child, a 5-year old boy from Davidson County, became ill on Friday evening and died Monday night at a hospital. Health officials are investigating whether any underlying medical conditions may have contributed to the death.
Symptoms of H1N1 influenza have been similar to seasonal flu. This includes fever, muscle aches, and either cough, sore throat, or runny nose. Headache, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea also may occur. Most people who are ill will recover on their own and do not require specific testing or treatment.
Parents are urged to use the same judgment about seeking medical care that they would during a typical flu season – do not seek medical care if your child is not sick or if symptoms are mild. If your child has a fever and respiratory symptoms, including cough, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion, please contact the child’s doctor for guidance before going to a clinic or emergency room.
Please seek emergency assistance if your child experiences any of the following:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash.
All adults and children are reminded to take the following precautions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes with crook of your elbow or a tissue
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing
- If water and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Get the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 flu shot when available
- Children should not return to school until they have been fever free for 24 hours
We urge you to make plans now for child care at home if your child becomes ill or cannot go to school for a week or longer.
Sincerely,
Diane R. Neighbors
Director, Vanderbilt Child and Family Center
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