Children's Hospital Colorado Influenza Experts Provide Information and Tips Related to H1N1 and Seasonal Flu in Children
With the early onset of flu season coinciding with the start of school this year, concern about the flu, and in particular the H1N1 strain of the flu, is growing among parents. Experts from Children's Hospital Colorado in Denver, Colo., can offer a pediatric perspective on all types of flu, including H1N1, also known as swine flu. These experts offer practical advice on how parents can help protect their families from the flu, as well as what to do should their children get sick.
Children's Hospital Colorado’s flu experts include:
Ann-Christine Nyquist, M.D.: Children's Hospital Colorado’s medical director of infection control. She is an expert in immunizations, antimicrobial utilization and resistance and hospital epidemiology/infection control.
Roberta Smith, R.N., M.S.P.H.: An infection control nurse in Children's Hospital Colorado’s department of epidemiology.
James K. Todd, M.D.: The director of epidemiology for Children's Hospital Colorado. Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatrics and infectious diseases, he has served on numerous committees of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. Dr. Todd is also a champion of immunizations for children and has worked to alleviate the public’s fears around them.
Mary (Mimi) P. Glodé, M.D.: The section head of infectious diseases for the Department of Pediatrics at Children's Hospital Colorado. Dr. Glodé has participated in numerous national advisory committees for the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. One of her major areas of scientific interest includes the development of new pediatric vaccines.
Each one of these experts can speak to all aspects of this year’s flu season, including the following H1N1-related topics:
- Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine – safety and effectiveness
- Groups at high risk for contracting H1N1
- Preventing the spread of H1N1
- Symptoms of H1N1
- Guidelines for caring for a child with H1N1
- How Children's Hospital Colorado is preparing to respond to H1N1
- Talking to your child about H1N1
As with seasonal flu, H1N1 is a viral respiratory infection. The main symptoms are a cough, sore throat, runny nose and fever. Usually the flu involves more muscle pain, headache, fever and chills than seen with the common cold.Parents who suspect their child may have influenza should call their pediatrician or primary care provider for advice.
All strains of flu, including swine flu, are spread by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. Practicing good hygiene is the best precaution to take to avoid the spread of influenza. Specific tips parents should share with children to avoid the spread of germs include:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- When you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after coughing or sneezing
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as this is how germs are spread
- If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and limit contact with others until they are gone
Read more information about the flu, or get specific information about H1N1.
About Children's Hospital Colorado
Children's Hospital Colorado has defined and delivered pediatric healthcare excellence for more than 100 years. Founded in 1908, Children's Hospital Colorado is a leading pediatric network entirely devoted to the health and wellbeing of children. Continually recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Children's Hospital Colorado is known both for its nationally and internationally recognized medical, research and education programs as well as the full spectrum of everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states. With more than 1,000 healthcare professionals representing the full spectrum of pediatric specialties, Children's Hospital Colorado network of care includes its main campus, sixteen Children’s Care Centers and more than 400 outreach clinics.
Media Contacts
Natalie Goldstein - Pager: 303.890.8314
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