Swine Flu Questions: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

As more doses of the swine flu vaccine are being received by health officials, you may still have lingering questions about whether to put your child in line to get theirs. Jenifer McAndrews talks to Pediatrician Joe Matusic to get answers to the most frequently asked questions he hears about the H1N1 virus.

Classrooms may have a few more empty seats than normal. And the phones may be ringing more at the doctors' offices. The H1N1 virus is taking its toll, and leaving a lot of parents with lingering questions. Pediatrician Dr. Joe Matusic shares both, the questions he is asked most frequently and his answers.
The number one, most asked question is; what is the swine flu?

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD
The swine flu is an influenza, that happens to be a new strain of influenza. Is that important? Well, if it was similar to last years' you would probably have partial immunity to it. This is just something totally from left field that you have no immunity to, whatsoever.

That's the concern. If you have no immunity to it. Your immune system could overreact to it. making it more dangerous.

The next most popular question is, should my child have the H1N1 vaccine?

Dr. Matusic
Approximately 85% of people who die of regular seasonal influenza have a preexisting condition. In contrast only 50% of people dying of swine flue have a preexisting condition.

The third most frequently asked question this fall is, is the vaccine safe?

Dr. Matusic
Yeah, very safe. The vaccine is being produced in the same plants, by the same workers, the same chemicals, same technology that we've produced the regular flu vaccine with for 40 to 50 years. All they did was put the swine flu genes in, instead of the regular influenza genes in.

And finally Dr. Matusic says this quesiton; My child has the flu, why didn't they get tested for the H1N1 virus? Is asked frequently.

Dr. Matusic
We have so many cases now, we don't have the resources to test everybody. Most cases appear to be mild to moderate. So most cases don't need treatment.

Dr. Matusic says treatment can vary according to condition. Specifically meaning-- if a patient has an underlying medical condition, one that deals with heart or lung problems, or a rapidly progressing respiratory condition, they should be tested, and if necessary they will receive treatments like Tamiflu or other similar medicines. Always contact your doctor if you have questions about your child's health.