Swine Flu is back to haunt us 🙁 With more than 200 people dead due to swine flu and over 5000 people tested positive throughout the country and fresh cases are being reported every day, parents are scared and confused as whether to administer Swine flu vaccine for babies and children.

We had Swine Flu pandemic in 2009 with lakhs of people affected throughout the world. Unless the governement takes stern actions to control this one, we might be looking at another epidemic here.

I won’t bore you with lots of medical jargon, just a short hands up on Swine flu Information.

Download this Infographic Here SwineFlu free downloadable pdf

What causes Swine Flu?

Swine Flu or The Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. The most common virus type is the H1N1, although the strains keep changing every year due to mutation.

How does Swine Flu spread?

Swine Flu spreads from person to person as droplets in air and is very contagious. A person can infect others starting from 1 day before symptoms appear or till 7 days after they become ill.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu mimic that of a the common cold or flu, so we have to be extra cautious  if symptoms emerge.

• Fever
• Cough and cold
• Sore throat
• Running Nose
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Extreme fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

How to know that your child has Swine Flu ?

If your child or baby has the above mentioned symptoms, please consult your pediatrician immediately. Your doctor may advice a naso pharyngeal swab test or blood test . Confirmation can be done with PCR test for the virus.

Swine Flu Vaccine for Babies and Children

Now arises the question ” Does my child or baby needs Swine Flu Vaccine ?”

Since the effects of the swine flu are dangerous, the following people are definitely recommended

1. Babies above 6 months to 5 years

2. Adults age over 65

3. Pregnant women.

4. Health care professionals.

5. People with debilitating diseases like diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases and suppressed immune system.

Regarding Swine Flu Vaccine for Babies and children, our recommendation is to administer the vaccine

1. If there is chance that your baby or child is exposed to people who may have the disease.

2. If anybody living in the house or in neighborhood has symptoms suggestive of swine flu.

Please note – These are our recommendations, please consult your pediatrician to know whether your baby or child needs vaccination.

Swine Flu Vaccine in India

Swine flu vaccines are available as Injections in India. Please consult your health care provider as to know what vaccine is available in your area.

Children may need an additional dose after 4 weeks after the First Dose.

Please note – The vaccine should be of the current year, you can see the year 2014-2015 printed on the carton, as every year scientists create new vaccines according to the strains prevalent in the current year.

To download the current IAP vaccination schedule, click Here

How to Prevent Swine Flu Infection in Children and Babies

1. Improve immune system with these Immune Boosting Foods for Children

2. Proper Hand washing and maintain proper hygiene.

3. Stay away from crowded places.

4. Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing and throw away the used tissue.

5. With your doctors advice, administer Swine Flu Vaccine.

Further reading

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. MOFHW

3. Mayo Clinic

4. NHS

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