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Kevin Moffitt
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801-373-8930
Allison Arnold
Manager
801-373-8930
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Update:
Answers to Your Questions About
H1N1 and the Flu
With the cold and flu season upon us we know you probably have plenty of questions, especially about the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. To help with some of the confusion we put together some answers to the most common questions.
Why is it so hard to get my child vaccinated for H1N1?
The CDC has ordered enough H1N1 vaccine for everyone who wants to receive one, but the vaccine takes time to produce. Until production is up to speed the vaccine will only be available in limited quantities.
So far Utah has received 300,000 doses of the vaccine, which have been distributed to the counties. Utah County has decided to distribute some of their allotted vaccines to physician clinics. About once a week Utah Valley Pediatrics gets about 100 to 200 doses per shipment.
The vaccine is being provided first to individuals who are at high risk. The high-risk group includes pregnant women, caretakers for infants, health care workers, and people and children with chronic medical conditions.
Not all of our offices have given the vaccine to their high-risk patients, so the vaccine may not yet be available to those who are healthy.
Administration of the vaccine is further complicated because several manufacturers have different age limits for their vaccines. We get the vaccine doses randomly from the county health department and do not know beforehand which ones we will receive.
What should I do if I want my child to be vaccinated for H1N1?
Because demand for the vaccine varies in each office, they will be distributing it differently. If you would like to receive the H1N1 vaccine, please call one of our offices.
You can also sign up on Twitter to receive regular updates on the availability of the H1N1 or flu vaccine along with other important information.
Our offices' Twitter pages are as follows:
Provo North University Office: twitter.com/UVP_PNUO
Payson Office: twitter.com/UVP_PAYSON
Physicians Plaza Office: twitter.com/UVP_PLAZA
Cherry Tree Office: twitter.com/UVP_CHERRY
Timpanogos Physicians Office: twitter.com/UVP_TIMP
American Fork Office: twitter.com/UVP_AF
What are the symptoms of H1N1?
What should I do if I think my child has H1N1?
If your child is sick, but does not have a high-risk condition or severe symptoms, your child should stay at home and avoid contact with others until the illness has passed. If your child has diabetes, asthma, a chronic lung condition, or a compromised immune system, contact your doctor. Pregnant women should also contact their doctor.
If your child has any of the below symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
-Trouble breathing or fast breathing
-Bluish skin
-Not drinking enough fluids
-Very sleepy or lethargic
-So irritable they don't want to be held
-Fever with a rash
-Flu-like symptoms improve, then return with fever and a worse cough
What can I do to prevent the flu?
The best way to protect yourself and your family is by getting a flu vaccine.
You will also want to be extra careful by:
-Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
-Washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
-Avoiding close contact with sick people.
-Avoiding contact with others when you are sick so as not to spread the flu.
-Trying not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Read more about cold and flu prevention
Read more about flu shots and who should get them
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Why won't our pediatrician prescribe antibiotics for my child's flu?
Doctors do not prescribe antibiotics for colds or the flu because they do not work. Colds and the flu are usually caused by viruses and antibiotics only kill bacteria.
In fact, taking antibiotics when you don't need them poses one of the world's most significant public health risks. Overuse of antibiotics can cause antibiotic resistance; this is when antibiotics no longer work on disease-causing organisms. Diseases once easily treated by antibiotics become harder to treat, leading to longer-lasting illnesses, more doctor visits, extended hospital stays, and the need for more toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death.
Taking antibiotics can also lead to potential side effects or allergic reactions. If you do not need the antibiotic, it is better to avoid any of the potential risks.
Read more about how to help prevent antibiotic resistance
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