Monday, October 26, 2009

swine flu, pt. 3

so leon was prescribed Tamiflu even though he hasn't had a fever for more than 24 hours and it's been more than the 48 hours recommended since the onset of symptoms. i called his pediatrician for a second opinion, and they suggested we give him the anti-viral medication. if he starts vomiting--a side effect--we should stop.

but the main concern right now is whether he'll develop a secondary bacterial infection, which Tamiflu won't prevent at this point. apparently one-third of the infant/small child deaths have been from this, not from H1N1. so a new fever of 101 or higher means another trip to the doctors.

also, the virus remains active in his nasal secretions for up to one week after the fever has subsided. so that means there's a good chance we'll get infected with the flu. the vaccine still isn't available here, so we're going to have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

6 comments:

MWM said...

oh, I'm so sorry erica.
it must be hard to be away from home when you're all sick and worrying about leon.

evencleveland said...

Oh man. This sounds terrible.

I hope you are all hanging in there ... and that you have super-antibodies at work to keep you healthy while you tend to the little guy.

xo

erica said...

thanks for the well wishes. leon seems to be on the rebound, but we're watching closely to see whether he develops another infection.

considering i spend most of my day with leon in my face, i'll be lucky if i make it through without getting sick.

i do wish we were home with matthew and our pediatrician. unfortunately we can't fly for at least a week, and we already bought tickets for nov. 11.

Katie said...

I'm thinking and sending good vibes to you and Leon...feel better soon!

valerie said...

oh no! poor babies. i hope leon keeps getting better and you don't get sick, erica. yikes! so i guess we all really are going to get it, huh?

Kristien said...

Erica, I am just catching up on my blogroll and read your posts about Leon. How scary! I am happy that although you are far away from home, you have your mother close by. Sending you good thoughts for Leon to make a speedy recovery. He looks so strong and healthy in all your pictures, I am fully confident he will pull through. All my best.