540 children dead so far: Why the swine flu is so threatening to kids

November 13, 6:39 AMDenver Family Health ExaminerMeredith Jameson

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New government estimates tell a sobering picture of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, so far this year. Over 22 million people have been afflicted with the illness, with an estimated 18 million of those being children. Nearly 4000 people have died, which includes 540 children.

In any given year, there are typically 60-80 pediatric deaths due to influenza, according to health officials.

So why is the swine flu so dangerous to kids? One of the primary reasons is that children have absolutely no immunity to this strain of the flu. Some speculate that older people may have some form of immunity from previous strains of the flu, but the same is not true for children.

In addition, kids tend to be less careful about their hygiene habits, including washing hands and covering their mouths when they sneeze or cough, so they spread illness (and catch it) more easily.

Children with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, also tend to be harder hit by the flu and have greater complications. Those with compromised immune systems also may contract other bacterial infections or pneumonia, making the flu much more threatening.

Experts warn parents to keep a close eye on sick children but to remember that not all cases are serious.

Mild illness flu symptoms are:

A fever of 100 F or higher
Headaches
Tiredness
Coughing
Sore Throats
A Runny, stuffy nose
Body aches
Diarrhea and vomiting (which is more common in children)
Children with these mild symptoms should stay home, drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. Over-the-counter fever relievers may be used, but do not give aspirin to children. Please call your pediatrician if needed, or if your child's symptoms worsen.

The Mayo Clinic suggests these home remedy tips:

Drink plenty of liquids. Water, juice and soup are very important! It is suggested that your child drinks enough that their urine is clear or pale yellow.
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and sleep.
Soup, especially chicken soup is good for breaking up congestion.
Some medications are recommended for treating fevers in children. These include acetaminophen and ibuprofen, although ibuprofen is not recommended for children under 6 months. Aspirin is effective as well, but is not recommend for children, unless approved by a doctor.
As for Antiviral drugs, oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®) are generally given to treat those who are severely ill.

The CDC recommends to seek immediate medical help if your child/kid/baby has any of these symptoms below:

Emergency Signs in Children:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing.
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough