Swine Flu: How to Recognize Symptoms in Your Baby

on April 29, 2009 at 7:36 AM

swine flu and babies This whole Swine Flu thing has me a little nervous but I'm not that paranoid about it. My baby and I did have pork chops for dinner last night, which Cafe Kim says is perfectly safe. But if I were planning a trip to Mexico, I'd probably cancel it.

I think the chances of my daughter coming down with the disease are slim, but I did do a little research just to see what the warning signs are.

According to Ehow, here's what to look for in your baby:

1. Flu-like symptoms and a high fever over 101 degrees following a cold. A worsening cough is also a sign of Swine Flu.

2. A rash that accompanies the fever or blue color to his skin (which indicates a lack of oxygen).

3. Dehydration (your baby stops drinking fluids) in addition to explosive diarrhea or vomiting.

4. Shortness of breath.

5. He seems as if he's in pain when you hold him, or tries to wriggle away and seems uncomfortable.

6. Failure to maintain eye contact or appears "flat" in affectation.

7. He will not wake up.

You can also find good information on Swine Flu in the Healthy Living Buzz. I think the important thing is not to over-react, say, if your baby has a runny nose. If you're truly worried and you live in an area where you should be concerned, call your doctor.

Are you worried about your baby getting Swine Flu?

About the author Suzanne Murray

is the Parenting & Political editor at The Stir/Moms Matter 2012.

Filed Under: health, swine flu

Comments (12)

sstepph

on Apr 29, 2009 at 8:15 AM

I'm a little worried but not panic-y. We don't go out too much but I do make sure I was my 8 months old hands, arms,legs, feet after we come from being outside. Theres only been 1 case in PA.. so until it breaks out in PA, im calm. Just taking normal flu precautions.

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Peajewel

on Apr 29, 2009 at 8:52 AM

It is always good to know. Thanks for the information.

NovemberLove

on Apr 29, 2009 at 9:23 AM

Yes, I am worried. My husband is a FF/paramedic in a large city in an area where people don't take very good care of themselves. He could easily catch or carry something while caring for someone and not even know it before he's brought it home to us. Take more pride in your local emergency services personnel ladies. They risk getting very ill and bringing things home to their families every single day but they keep getting up and going back to work each morning because they care and want to help.

I don't care about myself, I just don't want my DS getting sick. I've already told my husband that if he feels ill or attends to someone with suspicious symptoms that he isn't to come home until he's sure it's not Swine Flu. Seeing that he works in a very large city, I think my concerns are well founded.

kimzzshane

on Apr 29, 2009 at 9:55 AM

thanks for this info,its so important for us to know what to watch out for,now we know,and i dont need to call the drs office to find out...but i will call if i see any of these symtones..this is great !

wilesmomma

on Apr 29, 2009 at 10:29 AM

Thank you for all of the information. My three year old is sick right now, but I'm keeping her fever down. She still has a terrible cough. I'm a little worried about my 11 month old getting sick, especially since they have just reported cases in IL (we live in stl MO) and some might be reporting in MO. Thank you once again for all of the info!!

ARuss

on Apr 29, 2009 at 11:17 AM

Yes I am because there is a lady at my husbands work who has been traveling for the past weekends to Mexico to get dental work done, and she is still going to go this coming week. :( I just dont understand why some people risks things just to save that all mighty dollar :(

Freela

on Apr 29, 2009 at 11:43 AM

Geez, now I'm worried because my youngest has a fever following a cold! But no real cough, and not totally miserable... she is sitting on the couch watching Dora and eating a freezie as we speak. I'm nervous to take her to a clinic to be checked out if she does not appear to be that sick... I'm in the Toronto area and during the SARS outbreak a few years ago most people who got infected were people who were infected by others in the ER at the same time... they went in for something else and left with SARS. Scary!

3lilmonsters411

on Apr 29, 2009 at 11:56 AM

My son has several of these symptoms, but he's been to the dr and they say its rotavirus. My husband & I just got back from Mexico about 2 wks ago.

Scary thing is, these symptoms apply to a lot of other illnesses too.

AHamrick

on Apr 29, 2009 at 9:23 PM

Thanks for the info

BuzzyBee21

on May 1, 2009 at 10:00 AM

I'm very worried about my daughter getting swine flu...when i first heard about it i ran out to the store and got all kinds of things to keep germ free, i haven't taken her out in a few days, i even called her pediatrician a few times to see whats going on with her and what i can do. I'm scared for her because my daughter was in the ICU once and i never want to put her through that again. I know i might sound crazy but i don't care because i just want to keep my daughter safe.