Swine flu (H1N1) symptoms in infants may be mild or severe, depending on the baby and the circumstances. A mild case of the flu can turn dangerous if complications arise. Infants are unable to communicate effectively, so parents must watch carefully for symptoms that signal swine flu complications.
Mild Swine Flu Symptoms in Babies
The symptoms of swine flu are uncomfortable, so the most obvious sign of illness in an infant is increased fussiness. A baby with the H1N1 virus may also have a fever, a cough, sinus congestion or a runny nose, and may be more tired than usual. Flushed cheeks, unusual sweating, or shivering not related to the ambient temperature are additional signs of illness in a baby.
Emergency Infant Swine Flu Symptoms
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are certain signs to look for that mean a child or infant needs immediate medical attention.
- Babies that are not getting enough oxygen due to an influenza infection may breathe faster than normal, or have trouble breathing in general. The baby may also have a bluish or grayish skin color due to a lack of oxygen.
- Dehydration is another complication that can result from a swine flu infection, and occurs when the infant is not drinking enough fluids. Babies have to breathe through their noses while drinking milk or formula, so a stuffy nose can make this problem worse. Symptoms of dehydration include dry diapers (no urinating) and a lack of tears when crying. A very young infant's fontanel (soft spot) may also be sunken when the baby is dehydrated.
- Severe or ongoing vomiting (more than just spitting up) is another sign that an infant is very ill, and can also contribute to dehydration.
- Extreme changes in behavior, including confusion, avoiding interactions, and refusing to be held can also signal that the infant is very ill. A child that does not wake up normally may also be extremely sick with the swine flu.
- An infant that experiences what appears to be a minor flu infection which returns with a fever and a cough that is worse than was originally experienced may have H1N1 complications as well.
Getting Medical Attention for Swine Flu in Babies
Infants are extremely vulnerable to infection, and what appears to be a mild cold can become dangerous very quickly. Parents should call the infant's pediatrician or an after-hours nurse line in order to evaluate a baby's cold symptoms, even if the symptoms seem minor. When it comes to an infant's health, it is better to be safe than sorry.
References:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
University of Iowa Children's Hospital
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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