CDC Warns Parents, Doctors
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IMAGE SOURCE: Wikimedia Commons/ Swine flu diagram / author: Mikael Haggstrom
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Doctors and parents are being warning to watch for seizures among children who appear to have the flu.
It happened to four children in Dallas County, Texas. They all had the swine flu virus this spring then experienced seizures and changes in their mental processing caused by brain infections and swelling, reports Reuters. The children also experienced drowsiness, disorientation, and weakness. All have since recovered without any lingering brain damage.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children with unexplained seizures should be tested for the H1N1 flu virus and treated with flu-fighting drugs.
"Infection with seasonal influenza virus can be associated with neurologic complications, but the frequency with which these occur with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is unknown," wrote researchers for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's weekly report on death and disease.
In the CDC report, doctors are urged to test respiratory specimens and begin antiviral drugs immediately.
The H1N1 virus appears to strike young adults and older children.
The swine flu is expected to make a comeback with the opening of school in the late summer and early fall, earlier than the traditional flu season in October or November, federal health officials predict.
Thousands of men, women, and children will be asked to test the first swine flu shots in August to determine whether individuals should receive one or two shots. #