Swine Flu: Experts are Erring on the Side of Caution, and You Should, Too

You've probably heard, the CDC confirmed today the first swine flu-related death in the US - a 23-month-old toddler in Houston- and the World Health Organization upgraded its pandemic alert level to 5, calling a swine flu pandemic "imminent." Heck, the state of Texas went so far as to cancel all high school sports and other UIL meets for two weeks. A lot of parents are wondering, "Is it really that bad?"

Infectious diseases experts are erring on the side of caution, and you should, too.

Skip large gatherings, at least for now. Cover your cough. And wash your hands.

While we haven't seen any confirmed cases of swine flu here at Children's, we have seen an influx of children in the Emergency Department - three times as many as a normal day - who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

It's important to remember, your primary care provider should be your first call. Testing can be done in your pediatrician's office to determine if that fever, accompanied by sniffles, sneezes and sore throat, is, in fact, the flu.

There's a lot of information out there. And some of it is downright scary. For reliable, up-to-date information on the swine flu, check back regularly to the Children's web site. We're working 'round the clock to keep you informed.