The first signs of swine flu in children are not much different from the symptoms of a common viral disease. That is why, at the height of the epidemic, the slightest malaise of the child should alert the parents.
Today we will dwell in detail on the question of how the swine flu begins in children of different age groups, and also discuss the algorithm of first aid for infection.
The first symptoms of swine flu in children
A mutated, completely new subtype of the H1N1 influenza came unexpectedly. The homeland of this insidious disease is North America. It was there that for the first time a case of infection of a six-month-old child with an unknown virus was recorded. Of course, to say that this virus is really new and unknown can not be confirmed, but until 2009 the disease affected mainly animals, in particular pigs, hence its name. Sad is the fact that the virus has spread around the globe, it is dangerous for humans and animals, while immunity to this strain in humans is not produced. Also not happy with the statistics, according to which 5% of infected H1N1 die.
The greatest danger is swine flu for the elderly and small children, people with weakened immunity and chronic diseases. However, if adults are able to objectively assess their condition, then the kids are somewhat more difficult. Not every child will tell parents about the ailment, and even more admits that his head hurts and wants to sleep. Therefore, how the swine flu begins in children, and what are its very first symptoms, moms and dads are required to know.
As noted above, initially H1N1 appears as a typical seasonal viral disease. Weakness and discomfort the baby can feel literally a couple of hours after infection, and the temperature will not be long in coming. In general, it is worth noting that in most cases, general toxicity symptoms in the form of fever, headache, weakness appear almost instantaneously. Somewhat later, the clinical picture is supplemented by a cough, runny nose, sore throat. Also, the first signs of swine flu in children can be called vomiting and diarrhea, which occur against the backdrop of lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is important to note that the first signs of swine flu in children under one year may not be so pronounced. Parents should be alerted:
- a slight increase in temperature;
- pallor of the skin;
- giving up breast;
- minor nasal congestion;
- periodic coughing;
It is noteworthy that the incubation period of the disease ranges from a few hours to 2-4 days, while a contagious child can remain up to 10 days after the first symptoms manifest.
What signs of swine flu in a child require immediate medical attention?
As you can see, the very first messengers of the disease are typical and predictable. But this strain of the virus is dangerous precisely the possible complications - most often against the background of infection in children and adults, pneumococcal pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, tracheitis, myocarditis develops, and chronic diseases also worsen.
So now, when we found out how the swine flu begins in children, let's talk about the most dangerous symptoms that appear in the complicated course of the disease. Immediately apply to doctors is necessary when the condition of the baby is rapidly deteriorating - there is shortness of breath, dizziness, pain in the abdomen and chest area, breathing becomes frequent and arrhythmic, the child refuses to use the liquid, the skin becomes cyanotic, cough is increased, the temperature is kept high and almost does not go astray.
H1N1 is life-threatening and, unfortunately, the consequences of infection can not always be prevented, but the chances of a successful outcome of the disease increase at times if the patient is provided with medical care in a timely manner.