I have been writing about the Swine H1N1 Flu for weeks now, I never realized the impact, until it hit home.

Aaliyah who is three years old was tested and it was positive for the H1N1 Swine Flu. This is her second day on the Tamiflu regimen.

I originally took Aaliyah t othe Doctor on Tuesday for a fever, runny nose and cough. Her Pediatrician asked what I was giving her at home. I told him Triaminic Decongestant and Tylenol. He said that was fine to keep doing what I was doing at home. WRONG.

The Doctor was reluctant to do the test because Aaliyah has always been healthy and has only been on Antibiotics once since she was born. They had began testing every child then their supplies were getting low so they only tested those with high fevers. I guess I shouldn't have given her Tylenol, huh?

I took her back to the Doctor yesterday with a high fever and a non productive cough, that is when they did the test.

We are quarantined for 5 days, after she finishes her Tamiflu.  There are moments she seems to feel ok then she just lays her head down and starts to cry.  There is no sleep around here, I stay up and watch her. 

The problem with the H1N1 in small children is that they can easily develop pneumonia.   Making sure they have lots and lots of fluids is very important.  They can also easily become dehydrated which leads to hospitalization.  Pedialyte is a good source of fluids, it replaces eclectrolyes due to high fever.

She is to return to the Doctor tomorrow to check her lungs to make sure pnemonia is not developing. 

If you child has any flu like symptoms take them to the Doctor immediately and be persistent is they don't think the test is necessary,  Aaliyah is proof that healthy children can get the Swine Flu as well. 

 I asked the Pediatrician if Aaliyah's case would be reported to the CDC and was told that they are having a difficult time keeping up with the numbers so the only cases being reported to the CDC or thee WHO are those who are hospitalized in ICU or get pnemunia, which would lead to hospitalization.  They are even reluctant to tell you that it is H1N1, unless you ask.  Ask questions, they are not going to give you information freely.  I find now that all of the Swine Flu reports I have done are not correct, the number is probably tripled what is being released.  If your child suffers at all from a fever and cough, take them and demand the test, the Tamiflu supply is getting low in North Carolina and it is widespread all over the Southern East Coast.  For those of you taking care of a sick child, wash your hands frequently,