We Could All Use a Shot

Local writer and mom, Joyce Heid, reports on her family’s bout with H1N1, or swine flu, in this special six-part blog.

H1N1 411: Part 3
By Joyce Heid

Things have started to look up! Dylan’s fever started to go down on day four and by day five was gone.
On the down side, it seems the diarrhea fairy has come to visit. At first I thought it was from the steady stream of Popsicles and juice that have been his diet staples of this week. However; diarrhea is listed on the CDC website as one of the symptoms children may experience from H1N1. We hope a bland diet nips it in the butt quickly—no pun intended!
Today, President Obama signed an emergency declaration for the H1N1 flu. This is intended to give health care facilities more options for treating patients. It should also free up emergency room beds. Clinics may open specifically for H1N1 screening and treatment.
Just think, if your child accidentally breaks his finger, the last thing you want to do is sit in the emergency room surrounded by coughing, feverish, H1N1 patients.
Unfortunately, what the declaration will not do is increase the vaccine supply. If you oppose having your child vaccinated, you don’t have a problem. If you want the vaccine, it can be nearly impossible to find.
There was a vaccine clinic in Rockville last week. The line started forming at 10 p.m. the night before. The next morning, 90 minutes after the clinic opened, it ran out of the injectable vaccine needed for high-risk patients.
There is also a shortage of anti-viral drugs. I am still frustrated that neither the clinic nor our regular pediatrician would prescribe them for Dylan. Another child in his class was diagnosed this week. She’s not considered high risk either, but her doctor gave her a prescription. Within two days, her symptoms had greatly improved. Her mother had to go to three different pharmacies to find one that still had the medication in stock, but it was worth the effort.
Dylan is coughing away in the other room as I type, but I know he is starting to feel better. He keeps asking for pizza.
Unfortunately for him, that is not part of a bland diet.

Do you wish to share your thoughts about the dealing with swine flu? Send your comments to Dianne@BaltimoresChild.com.