Are you planning to get H1N1 vaccine?

Sara · Guru

RE: Are you planning to get H1N1 vaccine?

Juanita · Guru

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to argue with the docs, but this right here makes me question if it's the flu too. I've never heard getting your energy back the next day. You said her throat hurts, did they check it yesterday?

And what do they mean, they've never heard of the flu test until last year?? That's crazy!

Juanita · Guru

Sara wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Wow, he's already back at school??? I'd of kept mine out the rest of the week, just to be safe. I'd be afraid of him catching a secondary bug to go on top of the flu one.

Dddiii · Guru

Juanita wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to argue with the docs, but this right here makes me question if it's the flu too. I've never heard getting your energy back the next day. You said her throat hurts, did they check it yesterday?

And what do they mean, they've never heard of the flu test until last year?? That's crazy!

She's not running around, but she's definitely not as lethargic anymore. And she did check her throat, did a strep test and also checked her ears, throat, chest, belly, etc. I'm thinking it may just be a mild case but I also may have caught it very early.

And what I meant to say is that he said that people had not heard of the flu test before last year with the whole swine flu media hype. Before that, noone ever asked for a flu test and doctors just diagnosed based on symptoms.

Dddiii · Guru

Sara wrote:

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Thanks Sara! That does sound like Meghan's symptoms, but like I said, on the milder side. Although she really doesn't know how to tell me that she's achy, I can tell because she was crying over everything, whining at the drop of a dime, complaining of weird things like her hips hurts, her head hurt, etc.

She did take the tamiflu twice already and hates it. I did just want you said... chased it with apple juice and it helped a lot.

I'm so glad Bryce is feeling better and I hope Keegan is getting better quickly too!

Picture-Perfect · Guru

I thought I saw a snippet on msnbc.com that the amount of children that have already died this flu season is past the amount of children that died during the entire flu season last year. Did anyone else see that? I thought that was what I read, I found that somewhat concerning, I definately get that it's getting a lot of hype because it's new, but I thought that statistic if true was sad since we are so early in the flu season.

Dddiii · Guru

One other thing... this now makes the decision on whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccine.

Although I have read that just having it doesn't mean you are immune to getting it again since the virus can mutate.

From what I hear, it's not even available here yet so there's still some time to decide. Also, my OB's office said this morning that you get the regular flu shot first, wait 7 weeks and then get the next. Meghan got the flu mist last month, but I still haven't made up my mind about getting the regular flu shot.

And to amend what I said before (after some thought), it really doesn't suck being pregnant right now. True, there are some major new decisions to be made but on the other hand, at least there are options. 100 years ago, there is a good chance you wouldn't survive the flu.

CoffeeQueen · Guru

Dddiii wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Not to argue with the docs, but this right here makes me question if it's the flu too. I've never heard getting your energy back the next day. You said her throat hurts, did they check it yesterday?

And what do they mean, they've never heard of the flu test until last year?? That's crazy!

She's not running around, but she's definitely not as lethargic anymore. And she did check her throat, did a strep test and also checked her ears, throat, chest, belly, etc. I'm thinking it may just be a mild case but I also may have caught it very early.

And what I meant to say is that he said that people had not heard of the flu test before last year with the whole swine flu media hype. Before that, noone ever asked for a flu test and doctors just diagnosed based on symptoms.

There was and has always been a flu test. It is a swab test in the nose and I have had it doe twice. It was how I was diagnosed with the flu two years ago.

Dddiii · Guru

CoffeeQueen wrote:

There was and has always been a flu test. It is a swab test in the nose and I have had it doe twice. It was how I was diagnosed with the flu two years ago.

This poor man. We were really just having a conversation about how I felt like I should have taken her somewhere else to get the flu test and he mentioned how most people hadn't ever heard of a rapid flu test before last year. Actually, I agreed that I hadn't heard of it before last year when I got the flu (but hadn't been to the doctor with flu like symptoms in years).

He in no way said that HE didn't know about the flu test before last year.

muffy · Guru

Dddiii wrote:

One other thing... this now makes the decision on whether or not to get the H1N1 vaccine.

Although I have read that just having it doesn't mean you are immune to getting it again since the virus can mutate.

From what I hear, it's not even available here yet so there's still some time to decide. Also, my OB's office said this morning that you get the regular flu shot first, wait 7 weeks and then get the next. Meghan got the flu mist last month, but I still haven't made up my mind about getting the regular flu shot.

And to amend what I said before (after some thought), it really doesn't suck being pregnant right now. True, there are some major new decisions to be made but on the other hand, at least there are options. 100 years ago, there is a good chance you wouldn't survive the flu.

if the virus mutates, then the vaccination is no longer effective... no? that's why they need a "new" flu shot each year which, i understand, they pretty much guess what the flu this year will be and create it based on the most popular strains at the moment...

Sara · Guru

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Wow, he's already back at school??? I'd of kept mine out the rest of the week, just to be safe. I'd be afraid of him catching a secondary bug to go on top of the flu one.

Yep, he is. I talked to his teacher Tuesday evening because he had not ran a fever since mid-day Monday and was acting fine minus the coughing.

He has been back at school since Wed. I wrote a note on Wed excusing him from gym as that was gym day due to the cough but that has been it. He has done fine.

He has already missed 2 other times besides the flu this year. And honestly, I found no reason to keep him home 3 more days this week when he was no longer contagious. Plus the stress if he would get that far behind in his school work and homework.

Di, Bryce had energy back on Tuesday. Keegan was down and out a bit longer. But by Wed morning he was back to normal. Like I said, I accredit alot of the quick recovery to the Tamiflu.

Juanita · Guru

Sara wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Wow, he's already back at school??? I'd of kept mine out the rest of the week, just to be safe. I'd be afraid of him catching a secondary bug to go on top of the flu one.

Yep, he is. I talked to his teacher Tuesday evening because he had not ran a fever since mid-day Monday and was acting fine minus the coughing.

He has been back at school since Wed. I wrote a note on Wed excusing him from gym as that was gym day due to the cough but that has been it. He has done fine.

He has already missed 2 other times besides the flu this year. And honestly, I found no reason to keep him home 3 more days this week when he was no longer contagious. Plus the stress if he would get that far behind in his school work and homework.

Di, Bryce had energy back on Tuesday. Keegan was down and out a bit longer. But by Wed morning he was back to normal. Like I said, I accredit alot of the quick recovery to the Tamiflu.

Kids amaze me with how resiliant they are! And you're probably right, you got the Tamiflu started so quickly it helped tremendously.

I just know how paranoid I am, lol, and in no way would I have sent mine back the same week. I'm crazy like that,

Although I have to correct you a little bit..he may still be contagious even if he's not running fever. As long as they have symptoms, which include the coughing, runny nose stuff, they're still considered contagious. Some young kids can be contagious for as long as 2 weeks. In fact, if it was the swine flu, they're saying a better sign that they're not contagious is when the coughing stops, so just be careful!

Sara · Guru

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Wow, he's already back at school??? I'd of kept mine out the rest of the week, just to be safe. I'd be afraid of him catching a secondary bug to go on top of the flu one.

Yep, he is. I talked to his teacher Tuesday evening because he had not ran a fever since mid-day Monday and was acting fine minus the coughing.

He has been back at school since Wed. I wrote a note on Wed excusing him from gym as that was gym day due to the cough but that has been it. He has done fine.

He has already missed 2 other times besides the flu this year. And honestly, I found no reason to keep him home 3 more days this week when he was no longer contagious. Plus the stress if he would get that far behind in his school work and homework.

Di, Bryce had energy back on Tuesday. Keegan was down and out a bit longer. But by Wed morning he was back to normal. Like I said, I accredit alot of the quick recovery to the Tamiflu.

Kids amaze me with how resiliant they are! And you're probably right, you got the Tamiflu started so quickly it helped tremendously.

I just know how paranoid I am, lol, and in no way would I have sent mine back the same week. I'm crazy like that, Although I have to correct you a little bit..he may still be contagious even if he's not running fever. As long as they have symptoms, which include the coughing, runny nose stuff, they're still considered contagious. Some young kids can be contagious for as long as 2 weeks. In fact, if it was the swine flu, they're saying a better sign that they're not contagious is when the coughing stops, so just be careful!

I see, well I just went by what his doctor said and he said when he was fever free for 24 hrs and acting himself he could go back to school so that is what we did.

I have heard the cough that comes along with it can linger for weeks so I could not even imagine having him out for a few weeks for a cough.

CoffeeQueen · Guru

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Wow, he's already back at school??? I'd of kept mine out the rest of the week, just to be safe. I'd be afraid of him catching a secondary bug to go on top of the flu one.

Yep, he is. I talked to his teacher Tuesday evening because he had not ran a fever since mid-day Monday and was acting fine minus the coughing.

He has been back at school since Wed. I wrote a note on Wed excusing him from gym as that was gym day due to the cough but that has been it. He has done fine.

He has already missed 2 other times besides the flu this year. And honestly, I found no reason to keep him home 3 more days this week when he was no longer contagious. Plus the stress if he would get that far behind in his school work and homework.

Di, Bryce had energy back on Tuesday. Keegan was down and out a bit longer. But by Wed morning he was back to normal. Like I said, I accredit alot of the quick recovery to the Tamiflu.

Kids amaze me with how resiliant they are! And you're probably right, you got the Tamiflu started so quickly it helped tremendously.

I just know how paranoid I am, lol, and in no way would I have sent mine back the same week. I'm crazy like that, Although I have to correct you a little bit..he may still be contagious even if he's not running fever. As long as they have symptoms, which include the coughing, runny nose stuff, they're still considered contagious. Some young kids can be contagious for as long as 2 weeks. In fact, if it was the swine flu, they're saying a better sign that they're not contagious is when the coughing stops, so just be careful!

yes, they are still contagious. We send kids home from school with cronic cough. It is the biggest spreader of the illness.

as I sit with sick kids all day - fun times.

not only worried about this, but a child that was not immunized in Allie's class has the chickenpox now. I worry about Mia in being so young.

Sara · Guru

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Wow, he's already back at school??? I'd of kept mine out the rest of the week, just to be safe. I'd be afraid of him catching a secondary bug to go on top of the flu one.

Yep, he is. I talked to his teacher Tuesday evening because he had not ran a fever since mid-day Monday and was acting fine minus the coughing.

He has been back at school since Wed. I wrote a note on Wed excusing him from gym as that was gym day due to the cough but that has been it. He has done fine.

He has already missed 2 other times besides the flu this year. And honestly, I found no reason to keep him home 3 more days this week when he was no longer contagious. Plus the stress if he would get that far behind in his school work and homework.

Di, Bryce had energy back on Tuesday. Keegan was down and out a bit longer. But by Wed morning he was back to normal. Like I said, I accredit alot of the quick recovery to the Tamiflu.

Kids amaze me with how resiliant they are! And you're probably right, you got the Tamiflu started so quickly it helped tremendously.

I just know how paranoid I am, lol, and in no way would I have sent mine back the same week. I'm crazy like that, Although I have to correct you a little bit..he may still be contagious even if he's not running fever. As long as they have symptoms, which include the coughing, runny nose stuff, they're still considered contagious. Some young kids can be contagious for as long as 2 weeks. In fact, if it was the swine flu, they're saying a better sign that they're not contagious is when the coughing stops, so just be careful!

yes, they are still contagious. We send kids home from school with cronic cough. It is the biggest spreader of the illness.

as I sit with sick kids all day - fun times.

not only worried about this, but a child that was not immunized in Allie's class has the chickenpox now. I worry about Mia in being so young.

oh no on the chicken pox. hope Mia stays fine.

his cough is not as chronic as it was on Mon and Tues.

and I grabbed this

The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that daycare centers should do daily health checks, separate ill children until they can go home, encourage kids to stay home until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours, encourage proper hand-washing, and teach kids to properly cover their coughs and sneezes to help everyone avoid the flu.

So according to this he was okay to go back to school. I was beginning to feel that maybe I sent him back while still highly contagious but it seems it is okay.

I will say if it was Keegan or Owen in the situation I probably would've kept them out a few days longer but Bryce being almost 7 is very good about covering his mouth, blowing his nose and washing his hands. The younger ones...um, not so much!

Juanita · Guru

Sara wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Sara wrote:

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.
It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs, Di. I know that is rough about you being pregnant. But you being on the Tamiflu will be much better than you coming down with the flu.
Keegan obviously could not vocalize to me but her symptoms sound just like Bryce.
Woke up crying because everything hurt, as he said. His head, throat and ears are what he complained about the most. The cough was just horrid. He actually is still coughing quite a bit but has been back at school since he has not ran a fever since Monday mid-day. The runny nose did eventually start so I am sure she will get some mucous here soon. And of course the eyes.
I am not sure if she has taken a dose yet but according to the kids and Keegan by his puking it up the Tamiflu is some NASTY stuff.
We did gatorade as a chaser so find her a special drink she loves and let her take drinks of it as she takes her medicine.
hugs

Wow, he's already back at school??? I'd of kept mine out the rest of the week, just to be safe. I'd be afraid of him catching a secondary bug to go on top of the flu one.

Yep, he is. I talked to his teacher Tuesday evening because he had not ran a fever since mid-day Monday and was acting fine minus the coughing.

He has been back at school since Wed. I wrote a note on Wed excusing him from gym as that was gym day due to the cough but that has been it. He has done fine.

He has already missed 2 other times besides the flu this year. And honestly, I found no reason to keep him home 3 more days this week when he was no longer contagious. Plus the stress if he would get that far behind in his school work and homework.

Di, Bryce had energy back on Tuesday. Keegan was down and out a bit longer. But by Wed morning he was back to normal. Like I said, I accredit alot of the quick recovery to the Tamiflu.

Kids amaze me with how resiliant they are! And you're probably right, you got the Tamiflu started so quickly it helped tremendously.

I just know how paranoid I am, lol, and in no way would I have sent mine back the same week. I'm crazy like that, Although I have to correct you a little bit..he may still be contagious even if he's not running fever. As long as they have symptoms, which include the coughing, runny nose stuff, they're still considered contagious. Some young kids can be contagious for as long as 2 weeks. In fact, if it was the swine flu, they're saying a better sign that they're not contagious is when the coughing stops, so just be careful!

yes, they are still contagious. We send kids home from school with cronic cough. It is the biggest spreader of the illness.

as I sit with sick kids all day - fun times.

not only worried about this, but a child that was not immunized in Allie's class has the chickenpox now. I worry about Mia in being so young.

oh no on the chicken pox. hope Mia stays fine.

his cough is not as chronic as it was on Mon and Tues.

and I grabbed this
The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that daycare centers should do daily health checks, separate ill children until they can go home, encourage kids to stay home until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours, encourage proper hand-washing, and teach kids to properly cover their coughs and sneezes to help everyone avoid the flu.

So according to this he was okay to go back to school. I was beginning to feel that maybe I sent him back while still highly contagious but it seems it is okay.

I will say if it was Keegan or Owen in the situation I probably would've kept them out a few days longer but Bryce being almost 7 is very good about covering his mouth, blowing his nose and washing his hands. The younger ones...um, not so much!

I have taught SG to cough into her sleeve, as they're now recommending and she does very well with it. Owen probably would pick up on it quickly too! As long as the schools are being diligent in helping Bryce wash his hands or at least put on the hand sanitizer until he can wash his hands after EVERY sneeze, blowing of his nose etc..chances are no-one will catch it from him.

Sara · Guru

I have taught SG to cough into her sleeve, as they're now recommending and she does very well with it. Owen probably would pick up on it quickly too! As long as the schools are being diligent in helping Bryce wash his hands or at least put on the hand sanitizer until he can wash his hands after EVERY sneeze, blowing of his nose etc..chances are no-one will catch it from him.

Had to delete some of that..lol.

Oh sleeve, good idea. I need to teach Owen that.

His classroom has two bathrooms in it with sinks so I know it is no issue for him to get up and wash his hands.

Also, his school knows he tested positive for the flu so if they said it was fine to send him back then it comes down to their issue. If they would've wanted me to keep him home I would've done so without issue.

Juanita · Guru

Sara wrote:

I have taught SG to cough into her sleeve, as they're now recommending and she does very well with it. Owen probably would pick up on it quickly too! As long as the schools are being diligent in helping Bryce wash his hands or at least put on the hand sanitizer until he can wash his hands after EVERY sneeze, blowing of his nose etc..chances are no-one will catch it from him.

Had to delete some of that..lol.

Oh sleeve, good idea. I need to teach Owen that.

His classroom has two bathrooms in it with sinks so I know it is no issue for him to get up and wash his hands.

Also, his school knows he tested positive for the flu so if they said it was fine to send him back then it comes down to their issue. If they would've wanted me to keep him home I would've done so without issue.

I'm glad you deleted it, I was getting tired of scrolling down, lol.

Good, sounds like the school is on top of it! Owen will pick up on the sleeve thing quickly, SG did and now that's the only thing she does. Pretty cool

Dddiii · Guru

Sara wrote:

Had to delete some of that..lol.

Oh sleeve, good idea. I need to teach Owen that.

His classroom has two bathrooms in it with sinks so I know it is no issue for him to get up and wash his hands.

Also, his school knows he tested positive for the flu so if they said it was fine to send him back then it comes down to their issue. If they would've wanted me to keep him home I would've done so without issue.

Meghan's pedi and school said the same thing... fever free for 24 hours without medication and they can go back to school. Luckily, we are at the weekend now so I'll get to keep her home until at least Monday without worrying about it.

Juanita · Guru

Dddiii wrote:

Sara wrote:

Had to delete some of that..lol.

Oh sleeve, good idea. I need to teach Owen that.

His classroom has two bathrooms in it with sinks so I know it is no issue for him to get up and wash his hands.

Also, his school knows he tested positive for the flu so if they said it was fine to send him back then it comes down to their issue. If they would've wanted me to keep him home I would've done so without issue.

Meghan's pedi and school said the same thing... fever free for 24 hours without medication and they can go back to school. Luckily, we are at the weekend now so I'll get to keep her home until at least Monday without worrying about it.

Are you l giving her meds today? I know you said she was running low grade, so I was curious.

That's one good thing about getting sick close to the weekend, you have those extra days, lol