[mmaypole]

I just got back from the doctor's office and am trying not to panic. She did not prescribe Tamiflu since its been more than 48 hrs since the onset of fever. I am scared and don't know what to do! Any advice or encouragement would be much appreciated!

[jeanettebr]

try not to panic I know its scary especially in one so little..poor baby
From what I have heard from people who have gotten it is that it goes away just as fast as it comes on..so its not a long sickness.
I have no advice since no one here as has gotten it....just wanted to let you know I am thinking of your DD

[brook6]

sorry for your DD...keep close watch and react if anything changes

that is lesson for everyone...with the flu, the first 2 days are critical to get treatment
...so if you are having any 'extra' symptoms from 'normal' cold or stomach trouble, call doctor/clinic/someone...don't wait, thinking you will feel better

[brennasmom]

Get lots of rest and fluids. Hope she is feeling better soon.

[nikiz]

My 15 month old DD got it, we did get Tamiflu however, and it worked wonders. The best advice I can give, is make sure she stays hydrated, Pedialyte, water, whatever it takes, because mine just did not want to take anything at all, food included. After 48 hrs of basically forcing anything we could get into her, it turned around, then she started taking yogurt and soup broth. Good Luck, don't panic, and just keep a very watchful eye out.

[sar1]

I'm sorry to hear she's sick! Even though they told you it's too late for Tamiflu, don't hesitate to take her back in if she's not getting better soon. I know several people who've been through H1N1 now and half had it for a long time and were completely miserable (one still has a recurring cough issue) and the other half were over it quickly. I'm sure the Dr's office is tired of handling phone calls about the flu constantly, but don't let their complacency make you hesitate to get additional help for her if you're worried about how she's doing. We are so far flu-free in my house but I've been hearing a lot of parents complain about our ped's office and the way they seem to be brushing off symptoms w/a "yeah, yeah, everyone has a cold right now - you'll be fine." Although a lot of people are getting over it quickly, there are a lot of people who are not. And like I said, I know someone now who is having a continuing problem and he was a healthy adult before this.

[rileyandbraydensmom]

your family is in my prayers. i have a 16 month and a 6 year old and i'm scared to death!!

[FreebieMama]

If your DD won't take fluids, Popsicles and Jello are a good alternative. When my kiddos are sick, they spend a lot of time in the bath tub eating Popsicles.

I hope she recovers quickly!

[mmaypole]

I called back to ask for the Tamiflu prescription anyway...it can't hurt, right?

[Buffy40]

The important thing is fluids, not so much if she is not eating normally. Tamiflu does not cure, it only reduces the illness by a day or maybe 2. They do not want to give Tamiflu for everybody, except high risk groups;ie. under the age of 2, pregnant women, people with underlying illnesses like asthma, decreases immune systems,etc. because of the risk of it becoming ineffective--resistant and running out for those who would truly need it. It also has side effects of nausea and vomiting. Do not panic, the media is causing people to panic with it sensationalism. Did you know that last year, one of the drug companies requested a patent for the H1N1 vaccine BEFORE this virus came out? Treat the illness like you would any other viruses. If you notice her symptoms worsening---definitely call your doctors office or make an appointment, go to urgent care or ER which ever you have available. Look for symptoms not limited too such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (sob), temperature >104.0 orally (add a degree to the temperature if taken under the arm and take off a degree if taken analy for the equivelant of the oral temp.),etc. I can say that that staff at the clinics care very much for the patients and the questions. But you have to realize, the calls and appointments have risen significantly as compared to last year and give them the benefit of the doubt they are professionals and know what they are doing(speaking for the majority). People can be so unreasonably demanding. Just expect that you are going to have to wait longer--'tis the season and then some.

[mcdlady1]

I chose not to give my son tamiflu because of the side effects it was over in a few days
push the fluids and rest he was able to not be miserable without the fever medicine and i think that helped him get well quicker.
Keep in close contact with the pediatrician.
Good luck and hope they feel better soon

[danielephant]

poor thing...hang in there!

[lovemydh]

Hang in there momma...there is nothing worse for a mother then a sick child. I can commiserate with you. I agree with PP push the fluids like crazy. Keep an eye on the cough...the kids that are getting sick are getting sick from the effects of the h1n1. For example my daughter now has bronchitis from having h1n1. However my other children have had it and worked through it in a matter of days. One day at a time...I loved the motrin and tylenol cocktail 2 keep the fever down as well. Big (((hugs))) and prayers.

[philomena83]

Originally Posted by lovemydh

Hang in there momma...there is nothing worse for a mother then a sick child. I can commiserate with you. I agree with PP push the fluids like crazy. Keep an eye on the cough...the kids that are getting sick are getting sick from the effects of the h1n1. For example my daughter now has bronchitis from having h1n1. However my other children have had it and worked through it in a matter of days. One day at a time...I loved the motrin and tylenol cocktail 2 keep the fever down as well. Big (((hugs))) and prayers.

Ditto, my two year old has pneumonia from this awful virus. There really isn't anything you can do other than to keep pushing fluids and keep temps down. My Ds was sick for six days with a high fever and horrible coughing. If the fever persists for more than a few days and the cough doesn't go away after about four or five days or gets worse take your baby back to the doc STAT.

[peace3]

Prayers for a speedy recovery.

[Buffy40]

Some advice about fevers in children---a child's fever does not need to be treated with OTC fever reducers--Motrin or Tylenol---UNLESS the fever is >102.0 or is in discomfort or if your provider says to treat with the OTC's. Somewhere along the line, we have been made to think fevers are a bad thing, that it can cause brain damage, well brain damage begins when the temperature reaches 108.0. A fever is the body's defense mechanism for fighting the virus. A fever is not considered a fever until it reaches 100.4 orally. If you do use one, the medication will bring the temperature down by 2 or 3 degrees so do not be alarmed if it does not bring it down back to normal. It matters how the child LOOKS not the exact temperature. So if the temperature is 99.0 and they do not look good at all, they need to be seen. If temperature is higher and they are playing and eating and drinking don't need to worry too much. It is not recommended by Pediatric Association to alternate Tylenol (Acetominophen) or Ibprofen (Motrin or Advil) because of the risk of overdosing UNLESS your pediatrician says it is ok for that illness. Tylenol is the best choice then Ibprofen. Pick one and use just that one. If child is vomiting, has an upset or irritated stomach Ibprofen is not a good choice it will just upset stomach more. So, use Tylenol. Too many children have been overdosed. Again cold fluids is very important. A tepid bath (if they start to shiver take them out), it is actually recommended to not put a cool wash cloth on the forhead because that signals the body that it is cold and the body responds by increasing the temperature (think of winter-time and not wearing a hat) If your child's fever breaks for 24 hours and returns and symptoms return or are worse, you need to call your provider or go be seen. If the fever persists >3 days call your provider. If temp is >104.0 call your provider. If fever goes >105.0 call provider or go to ER or clinic. PUSH FLUIDS and call provider if you have any questions or concerns.

[smhammons]

I will be sending my prayer to you and your daughter. Let us know when she get better.

[mforward]

Melissa, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. Some great advice in the above posts. It will be hard on you for a couple of days or until she starts to make a recovery - be sure to take care of yourself too and get some help if you can (hubs or possible grandma). Take care~

[scamelo]

Oh my, I hope it will pass quickly and all turns out well. Its so hard to see a child, especially so young sick.

I currently have it myself, but for adults its not so bad. I am staying away from my kids, who are all teenagers.

Try to remain calm. I was shocked when mine came back positive for flu, but not all kids have it so bad.

Don't forget to take care of your self as well.

[Justlooking1208]

Honey, praying for you and your baby. I'm sure everything will be fine.

[mmaypole]

Thank you all for your support! I can't tell you how much reading your posts comforted me and helped me keep my sanity yesterday. A bit of an update: DD is doing so well; it's actually really weird...she is running around happy and playful as ever. I am beginning to wonder if this was all some kind of mistake. She certainly doesn't act like a child who has the flu. I am taking her to our regular pediatrician today and am going to ask for a retest. I will post the results when I get back.

[brook6]

Tamiflu is only effective in first 48 hrs...so no good if it has been more than 2 days sick

Originally Posted by mmaypole

I called back to ask for the Tamiflu prescription anyway...it can't hurt, right?

[mmaypole]

Well, it is swine flu, but the doc says it must be a very mild case. She said their practice alone has seen 450 cases, and most of them have been like DD's- very mild. She also said that if she has been w/o a fever for more than 24 hrs (which she has), then she's no longer contagious. We are very relieved! Thanks again for all of your advice and encouragement!

[Buffy40]

Originally Posted by mmaypole

Well, it is swine flu, but the doc says it must be a very mild case. She said their practice alone has seen 450 cases, and most of them have been like DD's- very mild. She also said that if she has been w/o a fever for more than 24 hrs (which she has), then she's no longer contagious. We are very relieved! Thanks again for all of your advice and encouragement!

No fever without the use of fever reducers for 24 hours.

[karenvallone]

Glad to hear she is on the road to recovery!