Babys And Swine Flu?

[Richb2004v2]

Although I haven't bought into the whole swine flue hysteria that is currently swamping the media I have a little concern regarding my 2 month old twins. I realise that even in none swine flu times there will always be the chance of them catching something, including normal flu, but I still wonder if it is worth exposing them if it can be avoided. I have little faith in the Thai medical system and don't even know where our nearest doctor is, so naturally I want avoid any illness of any kind. My issue is that they are a little over due on some immunization shots. I am hesitant to take them to sit in the waiting room of the clinic to get these right now, where they might be exposed.

What do you think? I'm not normally one to let myself be effected in this way. So am I worrying unnecessarily?

[Benjie]

I think they are far more likely to face problems from not getting the shots they need than from any chance of contracting Swine Flu. If you are that worried cover them up appropriately.

[cdnvic]

Is there a private clinic nearby where you can get the shots by appointment and avoid much of the crowded waiting room issues? May cost a few baht but it will give you a bit less to worry about.

[quiksilva]

Our 8 month old was sleeping in our bed (as he occasionally does), and the next morning i woke up with all the symptoms on the list and suffered from a fever that lasted 4 days.

He never so much as sneezed.

Kids are amazingly resilient. You still need to tread carefully, I kept my distance and washed hands etc during this period, but don't worry excessively.

[mizzi39]

Although I haven't bought into the whole swine flue hysteria that is currently swamping the media I have a little concern regarding my 2 month old twins. I realise that even in none swine flu times there will always be the chance of them catching something, including normal flu, but I still wonder if it is worth exposing them if it can be avoided. I have little faith in the Thai medical system and don't even know where our nearest doctor is, so naturally I want avoid any illness of any kind. My issue is that they are a little over due on some immunization shots. I am hesitant to take them to sit in the waiting room of the clinic to get these right now, where they might be exposed.

What do you think? I'm not normally one to let myself be effected in this way. So am I worrying unnecessarily?

It is always good to be somewhat cautious with the little one in your case little ones. I know we are with our son, but there is a difference between caution and paranoia. We feel good that he is up to date with his immunizations. He is one years old now and has had a couple of bouts with sniffles, but nothing more.

Your twins are 2months old now? My concern would be having an idea where the closest pediatrician is just in case they do come down with something. Food for thought!

[johnnymoretti]

We have taken our 4-week-old baby girl to the shopping malls many time to do our shopping. We use a stroller and put the shade down to keep cool air off of her. But we never worry about swine flu. Those wearing masks are foolish, since those masks are NOT designed to keep out viruses. You would need an N95 rated mask to aid in prevention of virus entering your lungs. And since you can't prevent that in public places, you just have to keep her exposure to crowded places at a minimum.

I, personally, don't worry about swine flu. Just as I didn't from bird flu or SARS. The hype created panic and unnecessary prevention measures. Think of the odds of getting it. You will more likely get into a taxi accident on the way to the doctor.

When we go to the pediatrician at Samitivej Hospital, we simply wait away from others outside the children's waiting room. More likely to catch a cold or other ailment besides swine flu.

The statistics are staggering against the odds of contracting the flu. Just as they said you'd have to sleep with an infected chicken to get bird flu.

Cheers.

[ThaiBasil]

Although I haven't bought into the whole swine flue hysteria that is currently swamping the media I have a little concern regarding my 2 month old twins. I realise that even in none swine flu times there will always be the chance of them catching something, including normal flu, but I still wonder if it is worth exposing them if it can be avoided. I have little faith in the Thai medical system and don't even know where our nearest doctor is, so naturally I want avoid any illness of any kind. My issue is that they are a little over due on some immunization shots. I am hesitant to take them to sit in the waiting room of the clinic to get these right now, where they might be exposed.

What do you think? I'm not normally one to let myself be effected in this way. So am I worrying unnecessarily?

Slightly on-topic: I would defenately try to find out where the closeest doctor is or if there is a clinic nearby just in case of emergency. You have young kids now (I got a 8 month old son and went to the hospital once for an emergency). Its just safe to know what your options are if something happens!

[slaninaj]

Although I haven't bought into the whole swine flue hysteria that is currently swamping the media I have a little concern regarding my 2 month old twins. I realise that even in none swine flu times there will always be the chance of them catching something, including normal flu, but I still wonder if it is worth exposing them if it can be avoided. I have little faith in the Thai medical system and don't even know where our nearest doctor is, so naturally I want avoid any illness of any kind. My issue is that they are a little over due on some immunization shots. I am hesitant to take them to sit in the waiting room of the clinic to get these right now, where they might be exposed.

What do you think? I'm not normally one to let myself be effected in this way. So am I worrying unnecessarily?

My wife always talk about Swine flu all the time. Make me wear a N95 mask on the plane when I come to she them. When she goes to the hospital she always puts a mask on Chase. Chase is 6 months now and goes to the hospital for all his shot and check up. I think that is very important for your kids to get there check ups and shots. There are a lot of good hospitals in Thailand, even better then America.

[johnnymoretti]

Although I haven't bought into the whole swine flue hysteria that is currently swamping the media I have a little concern regarding my 2 month old twins. I realise that even in none swine flu times there will always be the chance of them catching something, including normal flu, but I still wonder if it is worth exposing them if it can be avoided. I have little faith in the Thai medical system and don't even know where our nearest doctor is, so naturally I want avoid any illness of any kind. My issue is that they are a little over due on some immunization shots. I am hesitant to take them to sit in the waiting room of the clinic to get these right now, where they might be exposed.

What do you think? I'm not normally one to let myself be effected in this way. So am I worrying unnecessarily?

.....There are a lot of good hospitals in Thailand, even better then America.

And, there are alot of better hospitals in America than in Thailand. For example: St. Jude's Hospital for Children. It just depends on which hospitals you are comparing.

[patrickq]

I'd avoid Tamiflu, there is far too little known about potential long-term side effects (it hasn't been tested properly) and already too many reported problems. Swine-flu is like a mild flu, the hype is due purely to the fact it spreads easily. Our baby, under a year old, caught this when we arrived in the UK, temperature was running high, doc wanted to jab with Tamiflu, we let his body tackle things, while keeping a very close eye on things and cooling him with damp flannels when necessary, a day later he was recovering, it takes 10 or so days for the chesty cough to go, which extends period of worrying, but far better than now having to live with potential Tamiflu reactions.

[muji]

[Hi! I ve posted some questions on the other thread-Do you know anyone with H1n1...

Hope some friends out here who are more well versed in LOS and in particular Chiangmai can help with some advise.

''Im taking her out of the local hospital and transferring her to chiangmai tonight.

Anyone know of recommended hospital in Chiangmai?

Chidlren hospital?

English speaking staff?

Good, quality doctors? ''

A friend of mine actually asked me to look out for - dengue, Hand , Foot Mouth disease.....?

All and any advice appreciated. Thanks!