Las Vegas NowParents Concerned About Spread of Swine Flu Among Kids

Parents Concerned About Spread of Swine Flu Among Kids

The death of 23-month-old in Texas along with the confirmed case of a toddler suffering from swine flu in Washoe County, parents have a lot of questions about their children's health.

The Swine flu is expected to be hardest on the elderly and the very young. For the past few days, Hakulani Sanchez has had her hands full. Her 5-year-old son RJ and 5-month-old daughter, Arissa are both sick.

"They both had a cough and last night he came down with a fever and was vomiting," she doesn't think it's the swine flu but admits the thought did cross their mind. "I've even kept him out of school all week and I'll probably keep him out definitely the rest of the week," she added.

Dr. Michael Tenby says in the past couple of days his office has seen more calls about the swine flu. Even though the symptoms are similar to the regular flu; he advises parents not to panic. He says, by far, most children who have a cough and fever do not have swine flu, they most likely have upper respiratory infection or regular flu.

He does say parents should be more vigilant with babies who are especially susceptible to influenza.

"Some of anti-viral medications that we use to treat the flu are not recommended for children under the age of one so we are obviously very concerned should a child contract swine flu," Tenby said.

The doctor says if your child has a slight fever or cold, you can wait a day or so, or call your doctor, if the symptons get worse.

"Give them fluids. Tylenol for fever and pain and contact a physician if they get worse," he said.

Health officials say the best way to avoid spreading the virus is to regularly wash hands and to keep children at home if they appear sick.

Also, if your child is in daycare and you notice a child is sick, the doctor recommends notifying the daycare provider so they can make sure the child stays home.