Severe Swine Flu Symptoms
in Kids

If you would like to get a quick answer to a question from a doctor, from the convenience of your home, you might consult with doctors online advice . You will usually get a LIVE answer within just a few minutes.

Also, as the flu pandemic develops, we may see adults and children who become more ill, especially if the flu virus mutates into a superbug and becomes more severe.

However, we shouldn't be complacent, because there have been many very ill children—even when the pandemic swine flu is considered to be “mild”. (Most of those children did have pre-existing conditions such as cerebral palsy, childhood diabetes or severe asthma.)

Photo courtesy of Lee Brimelow

These severe swine flu symptoms seen in kids are more severe than you would see with a mild case of the flu:

• fast breathing

• trouble breathing

• blueish or gray skin color

• not drinking enough fluids – Children can become dehydrated very quickly. This is very serious, and your child should be seen by a doctor immediately.

• severe, persistent vomiting – This can also cause dehydration.

• not waking up

• not interacting

• being so irritable that the child doesn't want to be held

• starting to feel better, but then flu symptoms (like fever and a worse cough) return – This can mean that there is a secondary infection. This is also an emergency, as it could be pneumonia. Your child should be seen by a doctor immediately.

Every one of these symptoms is very serious! Seeing a doctor cannot wait until morning, if your child has these symptoms in the evening.

However, you may be able to get personal help in minutes by getting doctors online advice . If the online physician believes that your child is sick enough for the hospital, calling an ambulance will get you into the hospital faster than through the waiting room.

If your child has anymedical emergency, and she should be seen by a physician immediately!

Prevention is always the best way to keep your kids healthy, but sometimes they are going to get sick, no matter what you do. Children have a way of finding each other and they tend to play closely with others. And they have not yet learned to practice good hygiene.

As parents, we can keep an eye on our children and spot any unusual behavior that might signal that they are getting ill. Make sure you know what the severe swine flu symptoms in kids look like. And, if your child has any of the symptoms above, make sure he sees a doctor ASAP.