H1N1 Resources Nationwide Children’s is closely monitoring the H1N1 influenza virus. We are taking precautions to protect our staff and patient families, while operating as normal. We recommend anyone with persistent flu-like symptoms with fever consult with their pediatrician or primary care provider. For the safety of our patients and staff, it is our policy to always ask visitors who are displaying flu-like symptoms to stay away from the hospital if possible. We are encouraging families to maintain all scheduled appointments.

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October 15, 2009
At this time, Nationwide Children's does not have the H1N1 vaccine available for patients. For information about vaccine availability in Ohio, please visit the Ohio Department of Health's web site. The Ohio Department of Health is also providing a toll-free H1N1 information line to answer questions from the public about influenza and the vaccine. The line is 1-866-800-1404 and is staffed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

October 12, 2009
Nationwide Children’s has implemented visitor restrictions to help protect the health of our patients, families and staff during flu season. Read Visitor Restrictions: English | Somalian.

Video Q&A
The threat of H1N1 can be scary and overwhelming to families with children. The experts at Nationwide Children’s are here to help you understand the facts about flu – both seasonal and H1N1. Dr. Dennis Cunningham is the physician director for Epidemiology and Infection Control at Nationwide Children’s and specializes in childhood vaccine research. He is a father to two young children and personally shares every family’s concerns about flu. Hear his answers to the questions on your mind.

• Introduction by Dr. Dennis Cunningham
• Should I vaccinate my child against H1N1? Is it safe?
• What’s the difference between H1N1 and the seasonal flu?
• Should I get the mist or the shot? What’s the difference?
• Can I get the seasonal flu vaccine at the same time as the H1N1 vaccine?
• My child is sick with flu symptoms. When should I call the doctor?
• I’ve heard not every child with the flu will be tested for H1N1. Why not?
• Are certain children at more risk than others if they get H1N1?
• Is Tamiflu effective in reducing flu symptoms?
• What can I do to help protect my child from H1N1 and the flu?
• When can my family and I receive the H1N1 vaccine?
  

Steps You Can Take to Help Keep Yourself and Your Family From Getting Sick
1) Good hand washing is key to preventing the spread of germs.

• Wash for at least 15 seconds with soap and water.
• Turn the faucet off with a paper towel.
• Alcohol-based hand rub is also effective.
• Wash your hands often throughout the day.
• Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, after you cough or sneeze, and before eating.

3) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

4) Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

5) Give your immune system a boost by:

• Getting plenty of sleep
• Getting plenty of exercise
• Eating healthy foods
• Drinking plenty of fluids

Additional information about the H1N1 influenza virus:

• From the experts at Nationwide Children's - frequently asked questions about H1N1 and seasonal flu
• H1N1: Fact Sheet - English, Spanish, Somalian
• H1N1: Prevention Tips
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• A Parent's Guide to H1N1 Influenza
• Resource Center for: Parents, Kids and Teens

For Physicians:

• Availability of Tamiflu Suspension (liquid form for children)
• Updated CDC Recommendations on Use of Tamiflu
• CDC's Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions on the use of the H1N1 Vaccine
• Guidance for Treatment of H1N1
• Protocol for Respiratory Virus Testing
• Message from the FDA Commissioner