Things Parents Might Want To Notice...

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ROTARIX vaccine  (updated 03/23/10)

UDPATE:  5/17/10 -- On May 6, Merk (producer of the rotavirus vaccine named RotaTeq) announced that they, too, have found very small fragments of porcine virus DNA in their product. After further review the FDA has determined that both rotavirus vaccines (RotaTeq and RotaRix) are safe to use.

 
     The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued statements asking pediatricians to temporarily suspend use of Rotarix vaccine produced by British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithCline. Apparently an academic research team stumbled upon some DNA fragments from porcine circovirus in the vaccine while experimenting with a novel technique to look for viruses. This porcine virus is not known to cause illness in humans, and the short DNA fragment of this virus has apparently been present in the Rotarix vaccine since early in it's development with no ill effects. Health organizations worldwide are quick to point out that the request to stop using Rotarix is only out of an abundance of caution, and there are no health risks involved at this time.

     Rotarix is a vaccine given to young infants to prevent rotavirus disease, a severe illness that can cause diarrhea and dehydration in young children.  Rotavirus is responsible for the death of over 500,000 infants around the world each year -- much fewer deaths occur in the United States in large part to vaccines like Rotarix.

     Is Ptarmigan Pediatrics worried?  Not really -- Rotarix has been tested safe all along and even over the many years of use no harm has been tied to this viral contaminent. The FDA has cleared both vaccines for continued / resumed use.

SWINE FLU  (updated 09/15/09)
     Isolated Alaskans have ceased to be immune from the "swine flu" scare that has so many people talking, and worrying, in the Lower 48. This specific strain of flu, dubbed 2009 H1N1, is a genetic mixture of swine flu, human flu, and avian flu. It has been getting a lot of attention in the media.

     For sake of perspective -- about 36,000 people die from "regular" seasonal human flu in the United States alone every year, with over 200,000 more getting sick in this country, according to records kept by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Many of us receive flu vaccines every fall, which protect us from the most common anticipated strains for the upcoming winter flu season. But there are always flu strains that evolve and are not covered by vaccines, which is why you may still get sick even if you were vaccinated. H1N1 is one such newly evolved strain for which there is very little if any "native" immunity in the human population. Note that H1N1 in the United States does not appear to be any more dangerous overall than our regular seasonal flu. Children and younger adults do seem to be more susceptible for some reason, though.

     You can get a plethora of additional background information as well as other details on H1N1 from the websites linked below. But based on the phone calls we're getting at the office, many of you are most interested in "What To Do About It."

     The CDC in Atlanta regularly issues updated guidance to healthcare workers as well as parents regarding treatment of this outbreak. Currently the bottom line is that for most people, swine flu infection should be treated just like regular "seasonal flu" infections. It is expected that most people will recover without any medical attention.

     If your child shows flu-like symptoms...

  • keep your child home (except to seek medical aid if necessary) until the fever is gone for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication,
  • treat symptoms with over-the-counter medication,
  • get lots of rest,
  • stay hydrated,
  • monitor your child's symptoms for significant changes,
  • and seek medical attention if...
    •  your child has underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, OR they have any of the following signs or symptoms:
      • fast breathing or trouble breathing,
      • bluish or gray skin color,
      • not drinking enough fluids,
      • severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea,
      • not waking up or not interacting,
      • being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, or
      • flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

      Pay special attention if your child is under age five, as younger children are at higher risk for developing influenza-related complications which can become very serious.

     See this page for recommendations on how to take care of a sick family member. And recognize that having a sick family member does not necessarily guarantee the rest of the family will become ill.

     As always, if you have any questions not answered here or on the accompanying links, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We're happy to make an appointment to see your child, but please keep in mind that flu-like symptoms may not result in a swine flu test or any significant medical treatment. Swine flu screenings are no longer required in every potential case by state or federal authorities. Depending on timing, your child's age, or the presence of other risk factors, your child's condition may not require or even support a prescription for the much-hyped antiviral medication. The resulting recommendations may include simply what you read above...

SWINE FLU VACCINE? We have pre-registered with the state to distribute swine flu vaccine to our patients who request it. We have been told that H1N1 vaccines might be available in early to mid October. We'll update this page (and our Facebook site) just as soon as we know more.

Sources and Further Information: