OK the doc says kids and wifey have H1N1 -no test, nothing

[Taverner]

What am I to make of this diagnosis?

[triguy46]

1. A couple things

First, no one is testing for H1N1 specifically unless the patient is hospitalized or dies.
Second, the flu A rapid test has false negative rates of 30-50% so that is not all that reliable.
Third, with flu in the area, history, physical exam are usually sufficient. What we have seen at our clinic, now with over 200 cases diagnosed, is a sequelae of rapid onset, fever >100, aches, cough, sometimes bad sore throat. Don't really need to test. Treatment is basically supportive and based on symptoms. Some patients may get Tamiflu based on risk factors.

I see nothing wrong based on the limited description. Now if the doc didn't do an exam, didn't ask questions, then its another altogether.

[Taverner]

3. So...panic?

JK

How long does it usually take to pass its course?

[triguy46]

4. We're seeing 3 days recovery. Stay home till 24 hours after fever breaks.

Panic? IMHO, no, just because its a pandemic does not mean that it is severe. Its just flu right now. No exceptional morbidity or mortality, in fact, it may be less than usual.

[NightWatcher]

2. hopefully they'll be better soon like the few people I know who had it

I too had similar symptoms and was down for a week but had a residual cough for 3 weeks

[Blue Diadem]

5. I read somewhere that if you get the flu now it's most likely H1N1

due to the time of year.

My granddaughter only had 7 kids in her 5th grade class by the end of the school today. Several hadn't come in due to flu and 9 had gone home sick. There was also a substitute teacher today, so I don't know if her teacher or teacher's family member is sick too.

My daughter and granddaughter got it last week. Missed school and missed work. They still have the chest congestion and cough.

[triguy46]

8. Yep. No seasonal around yet.

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

6. thanks for the info triguy

i appreciate it, as I am certain I am suffering from h1n1.

[triguy46]

7. You betcha, can't believe we didn't get shut down....

for the medical opinionish nature of the posts.