Ask Lara: Information on Swine Flu and Children with Disabilities

Q: Are children with cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities more susceptible to the H1N1 virus (otherwise known as the swine flu)?

A: Children with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, metabolic conditions, neurologic and neuromuscular disorders, and pregnant women are at higher risk of having complications from flu. A recent CDC report found that of of the 36 children who died from swine flu from April to August 2009, 24 (67%) had one or more high-risk medical conditions. Twenty-two (92%) of the 24 children with high-risk medical conditions had neurodevelopmental conditions e.g. developmental delay or cerebral palsy. "For people who do have an underlying condition, it's important to be seen promptly if you get a fever. That could make the difference between being severely ill and recovering well," said Thomas Frieden, director of the CDC.

Additional Resources:

• Action Steps for Parents of Children at Higher Risk for Flu Complications
• Webcast for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Medical Conditions (September 9th Episode)
• Information about the Flu for People with Certain Medical Conditions
• Flu Guidance for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs
• Long-Term Care and Other Residential Facilities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
• Flu.Gov

Related Information:

• Disability Policy Collaboration (DPC): You are Invited to an Information Sharing Session on H1N1 (Swine Flu) - Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).