Viewpoint: Lessons learned from 2009 H1N1 Influenza-so far

November 1, 2009

Julia A. McMillan, MD, editor-in-chief of Contemporary Pediatrics, is professor of pediatrics, vice chair for pediatric education, and director of the residency training program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore.

An editorial that examines the current status of H1N1 in the medical setting.

In some cases the children are asymptomatic, but parents want them evaluated anyway. Some come seeking vaccination, but some are fearful about what they perceive as a new, untested vaccine that might harm their child.

Many children are, indeed, suffering from influenza. If this were any other flu season, their parents might be comfortable treating the fever, cough, and aches with antipyretics and fluids, but this year they are afraid.

Here are some things we've learned:

Perhaps this wave of H1N1 influenza A will have passed by the time you read this-just in time to deal with our usual winter viral respiratory season.

DR. MCMILLAN, editor-in-chief of Contemporary Pediatrics, is professor of pediatrics, vice chair for pediatric education, and director of the pediatric residency training program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore.