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Caring for Your Child with a Rheumatic Illness during Flu Season

There is a predicted epidemic of a certain strain of influenza (flu) called H1N1 (Swine flu) expected in BC. The BC Centre for Disease Control recommends that all children and teens receive the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine. It is safe to give this vaccine while your child is on medications prescribed by our clinic. The vaccine will likely be available in November 2009.

For more information about H1N1 in BC, check the  BC government's website.


Who should take anti-viral medication?

Children and teens who are taking the following medications are considered to have a suppressed immune system and should receive anti-viral medication if they get H1N1 flu.
 
These include: 

    Methotrexate 
    Anakinra 
    Imuran 
    Remicade 
    Cyclophosphamide 
    Enbrel 
    Prednisone 
    Humira 
    Cellcept 
    Leflunomide

If your child is on one or more of these medications and has symptoms of H1N1 flu, he or she should take an anti-viral medication (Tamiflu). They should begin this medication within the first 48 hours of symptoms.

H1N1 Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of H1N1. These are common symptoms for many illnesses, but if your child has a fever and more than one of these other symptoms they may have H1N1 flu. 
    
  • Fever above 38 degrees (or 102 degrees F) 
  • Cough 
  • Eye Pain
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Lack of appetite
  • Body ache
  • Nausea
  • Chills
  • Diarrhea 
  • Fatigue 
  • Vomiting

The prescription for Tamiflu may be given to you during a clinic visit. Please notify the clinic if your child takes Tamiflu. If you do not have a prescription for Tamiflu and your child is ill, call our clinic.

How to contact us    
  • Nurses:
    • Jenny: 604-875-3621
    • Jayne: 604-875-2345 local 5089 
  • Physician on call: 604-875-2161 (evenings and weekends)
For more information

 

    

Updated on: Oct. 20, 2009