Swine flu in babies, what are the symptoms?

• Very worried Mother here. My 11 week old, sneezes an awful lot, and today shes been sick twice, with big amounts coming up. Not the usual little sicky moments. Shes had only one set of injections too, what are the symptoms i should be watching out for? I heard sneezing can be down to dust particles in the air, and this is quite normal for a baby to sneeze. And also if my little girl had swine flu, would this mean i would have it? I am fully breastfeeding at the moment too, im not worried about me catching it, im just assuming that i would be able to tell if she had caught it, if i was feeling symptoms too, im not feeling any at the moment though, so surely my baby most probably doesn't have it? She genuinely is a very happy baby, just want your help and advice on the symptoms to look out for on babies, and if it can be passed from mother to baby? and vice versa. And i know breastfeeding is the best option for her, will it protect her against swine flu? or is swine flu to strong? Thank you so much for your help, i may be going over the top, but i don't know these answers, and being a new mum, i worry about everything.

• Answer:

  Hi. Sensible thing to do is to Check out this NHS symptom checker for swine flu. It will ask you a series of questions:- http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/Sat/MiniSAT/Topics/SwineFlu/CaringForSomeoneElse.aspx Have you actually come into contact with anyone who has had flu like symptoms? Unless you have, it's more than likely to be a common cold that your daughter has- babies and children under the age of 5 have up to 10 viruses a year. If you do have swine flu, you should carry on breast feeding whilst taking prophylaxis treatment (Tamiflu) as they are not contraindicated in breastfeeding. IF it is swine flu that your child has then you could have antiviral drugs like Tamiflu etc. Tamiflu is not actually licenced for use in babies under the age of one. It is usually only suitable for infants aged one and older, at a reduced dose (An inhlaer Relenza can be used by children aged five and older.) However the European Medicines Agency has evaluated recent evidence and have said that it may be posible for a baby to have antiviral drugs under certain circumstances- you'd need to check with your GP. With regards to symptoms, in a baby you'd need to look out for a rash that accompanies the fever. This can indicate swine flu. High temperature, body aches. If she ever stop feeding and become restless (again all these symptoms can be a sign of other illnesses too) then seek medical attention. The main points to ensure that your child does not become dehydrated- this is vital. If your child develops a blue colour to her skin, indicative of lack of oxygen then dial 999. Also If the baby all of a sudden stops maintaining eye contact, or appear flat in affectation this is a warning sign of severe viral infection. Which would require immediate medical attention. If you need further advice then contact NHS direct on 0845 4647. Do use the symptom checker, it's very helpful. If you or your daughter is suspected of having swine flu then ask for the antiviral drugs.