Special advice for pregnant women: "Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid being exposed to the influenza virus," Maldonado said, noting this population has been hard-hit by H1N1. Pregnant women who develop flu symptoms such as cough, fever, or sore throat should call their health-care provider right away for advice. And, if an H1N1 vaccine becomes available, pregnant women should be vaccinated.

Pandemic preparedness “ at Packard Children's and around the country: Up-to-date information on H1N1 flu and ordinary seasonal flu is regularly funneled from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to state and county health officials, who share news and plans with hospitals and physicians. Packard Children's got a good opportunity to test its pandemic preparedness plan when H1N1 flu was discovered in California in April, Maldonado said, "and I think we are fairly well prepared at this point for most situations." County health departments and Packard Children's will continue to inform the local community about H1N1 flu through its Web sites throughout the fall.

Reporters looking for expert sources on H1N1 influenza can request interviews with Maldonado and with Sharon Williams, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Williams can provide advice on how parents should talk to their kids about H1N1 flu.

www.lpch