Infants and Young Children and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

Key learning from seasonal flu and previous pandemics

• Children less than 5 years of age have increased risk of complications

• Children with high risk medical conditions can have severe complications

• Risk for severe complications are highest among children less than 2 years of age

High Risks for Infants and Young ChildrenOther high risk groups:

• Infants less than 6 months of age• Immunosuppressed• Chronic kidney disease• Heart disease• HIV/AIDS• Diabetes• Asthma or other lung problems• Sickle cell disease• Those on long-term aspirin therapy• Those with poor nutritional and fluid intake• Underlying metabolic disorders

What To Do

• Symptoms of severe disease may include: stopping breathing, fast breathing, difficulty breathing, turning blue, dehydration, altered mental status or extreme irritability

• If you suspect your child has influenza, call your doctor and do not give aspirin or products containing aspirin