According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the combination of 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu will cause more people to get sick this year than a regular flu season. The Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics (The RMYC) is here to provide parents with tips to keep the whole family healthy and knowing which symptoms are flu-related.
"Right now it is very important for parents to pay attention to their children's symptoms, keep them home if there is even the possibility that they have the flu and vaccinate them," said Dr. Larry Wolk, founder and executive director of The RMYC. "It is important for all children to be vaccinated for both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu to significantly reduce their chances of contracting the illnesses."
The RMYC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality health care services to children and adolescents in Colorado, regardless of their insurance status or a family's ability to pay. According to the CDC, flu activity is now widespread in 46 states and visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness are increasing steeply and are currently higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In August of this year, The RMYC saw a total of 3,650 patients and 5,100 in September - a 40 percent increase from September 2008. This surge was primarily due to flu-related visits. Flu season is reaching peak volumes much earlier than usual. For example, The RMYC administered 1,916 influenza vaccines in September, in contrast to September 2008 when only four vaccines were administered. In years past The RMYC hasn't received influenza vaccines until October and November - which is the traditional time to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
"The flu is a huge issue this year for both patients and doctors alike. Most of the children we are seeing now do not need to be seen," said Dr. Joe Craig, medical director of The RMYC. "They just have the common cold, but the symptoms sometimes mirror those of the flu. Properly monitoring your child's symptoms is the best way to determine whether they have the flu or the common cold. Most importantly, make sure your child is regularly washing his or her hands to help stop the spread of the virus."
According to The RMYC and Dr. Craig, classic flu symptoms to watch for include:
• High-grade fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Chills and shakes with the fever
• Extreme tiredness
• Headache and body aches
• Dry, hacking cough
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Belly pain
The following are symptoms to look for which require immediate attention:
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing. If this occurs, your child could be getting pneumonia. Another sign of pneumonia is retractions - sucking in between the ribs with each breath.
• Lack of fluid intake. If your child stops taking fluids, hasn't urinated in more than 12 hours, doesn't make tears and has a dry mouth, it means your child is becoming dehydrated and needs to receive fluids in a medical setting.
• Looks and acts very sick. While sick children always sleep more, they should be alert when they are awake. If your child is not alert and able to interact with you, always call your medical provider.
The RMYC encourage parents to use all the great resources available to educate and inform themselves about flu risks. Last week, Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. announced Colorado's support of the nation's first comprehensive patient flu health-assessment Web site - AMAfluhelp.org. If you are unsure whether or not you should contact your child's doctor, you can visit AMAfluhelp.org to help determine the severity of you or you child's flu symptoms based upon the latest CDC guidelines.
The CDC also provides several recommendations to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw all used tissues in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
The RMYC began as a single clinic and has grown to become one of the largest pediatric safety net providers in the U.S., serving more than 35,000 children through 50,000 patient visits each year. The RMYC' services are provided through a network of two Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, more than 20 smaller off-site satellite clinics and three traditional clinics in Aurora, Denver and Thornton.
The RMYC have a unique and holistic approach to health care, providing children with a "medical home." In addition to traditional medical services, The RMYC' also offers a literacy program, food/clothing bank, a holiday gift assistance program, social work services, secondhand smoke exposure education, a weight management clinic, Postpartum Depression screenings and tobacco cessation assistance as well as access to asthma clinics.
The RMYC want to ensure that children in Colorado receive the proper care they need and deserve. To make an appointment, you can reach The RMYC Denver office via phone at 303-869-2182, the Aurora office at 303-360-8111 and the Thornton office at 303-450-3690.
If you are interested in helping The RMYC, please contact Jill Friedentag Fishman. She can be reached at 720-343-1785 or via email at jill@rockymountainyouth.org. You can make a difference - donate money, donate books, donate goods or donate your time today! For more information, please visit our Web site at rockymountainyouth.org.