CDC: 27 children died from H1N1 last week, while overall cases are declining

November 30, 11:59 AMDenver Early Childhood Parenting ExaminerMeredith Jameson

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According to the CDC, 27 children died from the H1N1 virus during the week of November 21, the largest increase in pediatric deaths since reporting began in April.

Around 200 children have died from H1N1 since reporting began, and an estimated 100 more may also be attributed to H1N1.

This comes at a time when overall H1N1 cases are declining, with only 32 states reporting widespread infection.

Experts warn parents to stay vigilant about the flu and possible life-threatening complications for children. More information from the CDC:

Children and adolescents with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of having complications from flu. All children under the age of 2 are also at a higher risk for flu complications. A flu complication is a severe illness, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization or death.
There are several important things to do to protect your child this flu season:

Vaccinations: Your child should receive both the 2009 H1N1 flu shot and the seasonal flu shot. Your child should also be up to date on his or her routine vaccinations.

Contact Your Doctor: If your child is at high risk for flu complications and develops flu-like symptoms, contact your child's doctor immediately. The doctor may want to begin antiviral medications as quickly as possible.

Plan Ahead: Have a plan for what to do if your child develops flu-like symptoms. Discuss this plan with your child's doctor and school.

Medical conditions that are associated with higher risk for flu complications include:
Asthma
Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions including disorders of the brain; spinal cord; peripheral nerve; and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury
Chronic lung disease (such as cystic fibrosis)
Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure)
Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
Receiving long-term aspirin therapy for chronic disorders
Pregnancy

All children under the age of 2 are at higher risk for flu complications. If you are not sure if any of your children are at high risk for flu complications, please call and ask your doctor.