As of 5/5/09,  none of my patients have been diagnosed with Swine Flu (H1N1).  Several students at the University of Delaware have tested positive for Swine Flu.  A handful of other people, including elementary school students, have also been verified (+) for Swine Flu.  A total of 20 cases in Delaware have been identified.  Nationally, 403 cases have been identified by the CDC.  Only 1 death has been attributed to Swine Flu in the US, a toddler who emigrated from Mexico to Texas seeking care but apparently too ill to recover.

Everyone is concerned.  However, worldwide, fears of a global “pandemic” are starting to recede.

For the latest information about the status of Swine Flu in Delaware, click here to go to the Medical Society of Delaware’s website.

For information about the symptoms and medical care of Swine Flu, click here to go to the CDC’s website.

Without fever, there’s not much concern about Swine Flu.  Don’t forget that most kids with fever have something else!! Our office is still seeing several kids a week who have been sickened by Strep Throat, for example, which is treatable with standard antibiotics.  Viral tonsillitis is also giving our patients high fevers as well; these kids get better in a few days with supportive treatment.

Some patients have asked to stockpile Tamiflu at home.  I urge my patients to resist this temptation.  I am very concerned about the flu bugs developing resistance to our medications (which they do very easily).  The Tamiflu should not be administered without a good indication, such as a close eposure to a sick child with culture-proven flu.  Exposure to a sick child who has not been tested, no matter what country they’re from, is not a good indication for starting Tamiflu.

But our office does have the ability to obtain nasal swabs for Swine Flu testing, for transport to local laboratories.  Please call if you are concerned about your child.

–  Dr. Epstein