Flu Bug is Here!

[Stephanie2]

I often read of many of your kids having horrible pandas flares after the flu. Well, I was on a field trip today with DS6 (poor kid it's his birthday) and he wilted before our eyes and developed a fever and headache, fatigue. Our guide ended up having to carry him around for me!!!!

 

My question is this, when will the pandas symptoms show up, if they do? After the fever goes away? Also, what would YOU do to prevent pandas? I would think some of you will say steroids but we cannot do that b/c of possible clostridia infection. So, should I do ibuprophen or something? I also started the glutathione nebulizer and many supps right away (oscicillococinum?, zinc, vit c, larix, elderberry, vit a). Any other advice?

[thereishope]

Poor guy! My son would have a flare a few days post fever (about 3 days post). Luckily, for him it wouldn't be as bad as a strep triggered exacerbation. Much more minor. Now he doesn't have setbacks. I would give my son Ibuprofen now and a few days after fever. Try to keep any inflammation down before it starts. Also good ole rest and sleep will help. btw...I wouldn't have suggested a steroid anyway. I'd save that for when the chaos is already present and not going away...not as a preventative.

Edited November 3, 2010 by Vickie

[Chemar]

Stephanie

as you seem to appreciate natural treatments, maybe check with your doc if Oscillococcinum is ok to give in case of flu

 

I have heard very positive reports about it.

 

ps ah I see you mentioned it there....it is supposed to be very good

Edited November 3, 2010 by Chemar
adding

[Fixit]

I often read of many of your kids having horrible pandas flares after the flu. Well, I was on a field trip today with DS6 (poor kid it's his birthday) and he wilted before our eyes and developed a fever and headache, fatigue. Our guide ended up having to carry him around for me!!!!

 

My question is this, when will the pandas symptoms show up, if they do? After the fever goes away? Also, what would YOU do to prevent pandas? I would think some of you will say steroids but we cannot do that b/c of possible clostridia infection. So, should I do ibuprophen or something? I also started the glutathione nebulizer and many supps right away (oscicillococinum?, zinc, vit c, larix, elderberry, vit a). Any other advice?

 

Steph...maybe he won't go panda on you....

until now...ds would only go panda with strep or bacteria...

flu, virus never sent him into an episode....

keep his temp down..maybe some cold compresses...lots of fluids

[thereishope]

I like that one!

 

 

maybe he won't go panda on you....

[dcmom]

This is not what you want to hear- but I believe the more info the better:

 

Both of my girls had H1N1 last year- clinical diagnosis from their doc. It catapulted them both into a big episode- as bad as strep.

 

For the oldest- we actually were not sure on the pandas diagnosis at that point, so we did nothing. She went into an exacerbation that eventually ended us up doing pex.

 

For the younger dd- who was already diagnosed with pandas, and just had pex- we acted very fast. We did Tamiflu within 24 hours of flu onset. This stopped the flu within another 24 hours. Within 24 hours of fever subsiding, she was sliding fast into a major pandas exacerbation. We waited about 48 hours to be sure (there was no mistaking it- she was barely functional) and started a steroid burst. By about 2 doses she was improving, and within 3 days she was back to about 90%.

 

I don't want to scare you- but let you know. I don't think, of course, that will be everyone's experience- and I don't think every strain of flu would have that effect. I would consider getting to the doc to determine IF he has the flu, and if so what strain. You might consider tamiflu- or just making a plan for if he goes into exacerbation. We knew right away- it was VERY clear it was not a blip. Have you done ivig? If you can't do steroids, and he does start to dramatically backslide, maybe you could go directly for ivig.

 

Steroids have been a great tool for us, is there anything that could have a similar effect that could be used?

 

Hoping he feels better, and you see nothing...

[Stephanie2]

wow, you are right that is not what i want to hear!! but now I am convinced i need to talk to his DAN doctor tomorrow.

This is not what you want to hear- but I believe the more info the better:

 

Both of my girls had H1N1 last year- clinical diagnosis from their doc. It catapulted them both into a big episode- as bad as strep.

 

For the oldest- we actually were not sure on the pandas diagnosis at that point, so we did nothing. She went into an exacerbation that eventually ended us up doing pex.

 

For the younger dd- who was already diagnosed with pandas, and just had pex- we acted very fast. We did Tamiflu within 24 hours of flu onset. This stopped the flu within another 24 hours. Within 24 hours of fever subsiding, she was sliding fast into a major pandas exacerbation. We waited about 48 hours to be sure (there was no mistaking it- she was barely functional) and started a steroid burst. By about 2 doses she was improving, and within 3 days she was back to about 90%.

 

I don't want to scare you- but let you know. I don't think, of course, that will be everyone's experience- and I don't think every strain of flu would have that effect. I would consider getting to the doc to determine IF he has the flu, and if so what strain. You might consider tamiflu- or just making a plan for if he goes into exacerbation. We knew right away- it was VERY clear it was not a blip. Have you done ivig? If you can't do steroids, and he does start to dramatically backslide, maybe you could go directly for ivig.

 

Steroids have been a great tool for us, is there anything that could have a similar effect that could be used?

 

Hoping he feels better, and you see nothing...

[Fixit]

article Cnn...

talks about taking probiotics to help immune system....

maybe things are coming round to the whole body aspect

ignore...getting vacinee part

 

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/03/health.avoid.cold.flu/index.html?hpt=Sbin

[Stephanie2]

Well, it DID turn out to be influenza A and we are starting tamiflu on both kids, also motrin protocol, full dose of ibuprofen every 3=4 hours while awake for 3 days. Here's hoping for the best!!

[dcmom]

I am sending good thoughts your way....

[Stephanie2]

OK, it got me!! this morning I woke up with mild flu symptoms, and within an hour full-blown flu with vomitting. I took a couple doses of the kids tamiflu, called the doctor for more, and used a phenergan suppository (thank god for those, i will never be without a supply again)! I do have to say that I am able to get up and make myself something simple to eat and I am even able to drink coffee, but that's about it. Last time I got flu i was not even able to do that (but then again DH and I were dating and didn't have kids - I didn't HAVE to do that!!)

 

If you are not getting the flu vaccine this year, stock up on some supplements to start right away (see link) and maybe even have some tamiflu and phenergan on hand!!

 

By the way I started DS6 on tam last night and his fever broke while he was sleeping, he is almost back to himself today (that would be before 48 hours of onset)!

 

http://www.wholisticpeds.com/default.asp?cid=956655663&n1=1&n2=39

[Kayanne]

OK, it got me!! this morning I woke up with mild flu symptoms, and within an hour full-blown flu with vomitting. I took a couple doses of the kids tamiflu, called the doctor for more, and used a phenergan suppository (thank god for those, i will never be without a supply again)! I do have to say that I am able to get up and make myself something simple to eat and I am even able to drink coffee, but that's about it. Last time I got flu i was not even able to do that (but then again DH and I were dating and didn't have kids - I didn't HAVE to do that!!)

 

If you are not getting the flu vaccine this year, stock up on some supplements to start right away (see link) and maybe even have some tamiflu and phenergan on hand!!

 

By the way I started DS6 on tam last night and his fever broke while he was sleeping, he is almost back to himself today (that would be before 48 hours of onset)!

 

http://www.wholisticpeds.com/default.asp?cid=956655663&n1=1&n2=39

 

In Oct '09 we used Tamiflu for my aon and PANDAS daughter. It really did stop the flu in it's tracks. We were fortunate that we didn't see any significant increase in PANDAS symptoms...I'm crossing my fingers for your family!