Flu season has started early this year. As children have returned to school from summer break, pediatricians are seeing an increased number of children with flu-like symptoms in their offices.

To help explain how this flu season is different than previous years, Dr. Keith English, director of Infectious Diseases at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, answers parents’ questions.

Why are we hearing about the flu so early this year?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two different types of influenza (flu) that will affect children this fall – the seasonal flu and the novel H1N1 (swine) flu. Flu season usually runs from late fall through mid-winter, but this year is different. A H1N1 flu virus has been circulating in this area since early May. Because this new H1N1 virus came late, it continued to circulate during summer months. When school started back this fall, we anticipated an increase in the number of cases as children begin spending time together in close proximity. Illnesses caused by this H1N1 virus are very similar to those caused by the usual fall-and-winter “seasonal flu.” Symptoms usually hit hard and fast, and typically last three to seven days.

Is there a vaccine available?

Flu vaccine is an important way to reduce your child’s risk of developing influenza, and this year there will be two different flu vaccines. The usual vaccine (for seasonal influenza) will be available during the next few weeks and is recommended for children age 6 months and older and all household contacts of infants younger than 6 months of age.

The new vaccine (for the novel H1N1 flu virus) is expected to become available in mid-October and also will be recommended for children 6 months and older (and household contacts of infants younger than 6 months of age)

What are the flu symptoms?

Both the H1N1 and seasonal flu have similar symptoms. These symptoms include: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, lack of appetite and coughing. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

When do I need to seek medical care for my child?

Parents should use the same judgment and common sense they would have used last flu season to decide when to seek treatment for their children. If you suspect your child has the flu, call your pediatrician. The Tennessee Department of Health suggests that, “in the majority of cases, testing is unnecessary” and that “initiation of treatment should be based on clinical presentation and should not be delayed for a confirmatory test.”

There are several anti-viral medications that can be prescribed by your doctor, but these are most effective when given early in the course of illness. The criteria for prescribing anti-viral therapy for children with suspected or confirmed infection caused by the H1N1 influenza virus are essentially the same as those that should be used for the treatment of seasonal influenza. Treatment is recommended for patients with severe symptoms and for patients at high-risk for complications of the flu. This includes children younger than 5 years of age, especially those younger than 2 years, and children with chronic underlying medical conditions. For more information about who is at high risk, visit the CDC’s Web site – www.cdc.gov.

According to the CDC, illness caused by the H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection have occurred. In most cases, to relieve your child’s pain and symptoms, first, administer fluids and make sure your child is getting plenty of rest. Acetaminophen helps with the aches, pains and fever reduction.

How can you prevent the flu?

Children should be educated about the importance of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These common-sense actions can help reduce the spread of influenza and many other infectious agents:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick, stay home from work or school. Limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them. People should stay home at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100°F or higher), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

FLU shots available at health department clinics starting Friday

The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department has just received the first shipment of the influenza vaccine for the flu season and it is available in the public health clinics starting Friday (Aug. 28.)

The vaccine is for the regular seasonal influenza and is not intended for use against the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be distributed in October.

Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for everyone, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others. No shortage of vaccine is expected this year.

The vaccine is especially recommended for the following persons who are at increased risk for severe complications associated with the flu:

• Pregnant women

• People 50 years of age and older

• People of any age with chronic medical conditions, including asthma and other lung diseases, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes

• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: Health care workers; Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu; Household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

The flu vaccine is not recommended for some groups of people, including:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.

• Children less than six months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)

 The vaccine is free for those covered by Medicare or TennCare and $25 for all others. No appointment is necessary.

Health Clinic locations

Immunization Clinic, 814 Jefferson Ave.; Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m, Monday – Friday; Phone: 901-544-7711

Galloway Clinic, 477 N. Manassas; Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; Phone: 901-522-8268

Hickory Hill Clinic, 6590 Kirby Center Cove: Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.,  Monday – Friday; Additional hours: 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Phone: 901-365-1045

Millington Clinic, 8225 Highway 51 N.; Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; Phone: 901-873-4433

Raleigh Clinic, 3040 Covington Pike; Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; Additional hours: 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Phone: 901-386-2060

Shelby Crossing Clinic, 6170 Macon Road; Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; Phone: 901-372-7581

Southland Mall Clinic, 1278 Southland Mall, Shelby Dr/Hwy 51; Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday; Additional hours: 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 2nd & 4th Mondays from 5-6:30 p.m.; Phone: 901-346-0081

For more information about flu shots, please contact the Health Department’s Immunization Program at 901-544-7708 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.