FORT COLLINS, CODr. Jennifer Markley, owner of Pediatric Associates of Northern Colorado, and her team of healthcare providers have issued this press release of general flu-related information, tips and treatment options for parents concerned about the recent outbreak of influenza and how it relates to their children.
Influenza is here in Fort Collins, and with some information taken from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and healhtychildren.org (The AAP website), heres what you need to know, states DR. Jennifer Markley.
Influenza has been reported in 47 states. There have already been 20 pediatric deaths due to influenza in the US this season (as of Jan 5th). Statistics: 55% of these children had an underlying health condition, most were under the age of 12 yrs, and 80% were NOT vaccinated for influenza. Influenza is a viral infection that leads to sudden fever (usually above 101 degrees), chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose and dry hacking cough. Some children may throw up and have loose stools.
How to protect yourself: The primary way to prevent flu is to be vaccinated. If you are not already vaccinated, it is not too late. Please call our office now for a flu shot nurse visit (970-484-4871). We recommend all children, ages 6 months and older, get the vaccine. We have the intranasal live vaccine and the flu shot available, however supplies of vaccine are dwindling. 91% of the flu strain that has been tested so far this year is contained in the vaccine. This is encouraging and we hope this will limit disease in those vaccinated. Sometimes the virus mutates over the course of the season and the vaccine some years is less effective. The vaccine is never 100% effective in prevention influenza in some individuals but it is our best way to limit the spread of disease (62% effectiveness most years).
How to prevent spreading the virus: Wash your hands well and often, do not share pacifiers, cups, spoons, towels, toothbrushes. Wash doorknobs, toilet handles, countertops and toys with a disinfectant wipe or soapy cloth. Teach your child to cover their mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing. Cough into the elbow region or use a tissue.
Whos at risk: All children are at risk. Children at highest risk are children under the age of 2 yrs, those with asthma/heart disease/diabetes, patients with neuromuscular disorders and obese patients.
Testing: Children can be tested for influenza by a nasal swab. We have the ability to test for influenza in our office.
Treatment: If we determine your child has influenza, prior to 48 hrs of symptoms, then they can be treated with Tamiflu, a prescription antiviral medication. If their symptoms have occurred for over 48 hrs then they do not need treatment. The treatment shortens the course by 2-3 days but is not necessary for recovery. We can treat infants as young as 2 weeks of age and we can prophylax children 1 yr and up if they have been exposed. Treatment dosing is twice a day for 5 days and prevention dosing is once daily for 10 days. Prophylactic dosing is recommended for people directly exposed (family member or close contact) that have tested positive, especially if they are under the age of 2 yrs or have any chronic at risk conditions listed above. There have been reports of Tamiflu suspension shortages due to high demand/use. The drug can be compounded from pill form into a suspension for children (there is not a shortage of the pill form).
This is proving to be a tough influenza year. We are seeing children of all ages affected. We encourage our patients to seek medical care early on in the course of their illness if influenza is suspected. This enables us to test and treat if needed. We also recommend staying home if you are ill to decrease the spread of illness. If you are not already vaccinated, it is not too late. We recommend all children, ages 6 months and older, get the vaccine. However supplies of vaccine are dwindling so you may need to search for local availability.
We are a physician-owned pediatric group located in Fort Collins providing personal, specialized care to thousands of children in our community. We pride ourselves on the personal care we are able to provide by keeping our practice small. We are the only small, exclusively-pediatric group in Fort Collins.Our mission is to serve our patients in a courteous, professional, competent and kind manner. We want to let our patents know they are valued and we strive to develop long term relationships with our patents and their families. We promote healthy lifestyles and injury prevention so that our patients may enjoy a lifetime of good health. Your privacy and confidentiality are important to us.
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Pediatric Associates of Northern Colorado
Owner, Dr. Jennifer Markley 970-484-4871
Marketing, Amy Madden Copp 970-214-8446