We had a similar case where a family member had H1N1 and was passed off to my daughter (who is undergoing chemo). Here is my thoughts to it.... For you non-cancer kid, take him to the pediatrician tomorrow regardless. In most likelihood, they'll start him on Tamiflu (Tamiflu is most effective during first 48 hrs) even if they are still trying to test him for influenza (nose swab test takes about a day). I would also keep the two kids away from each other. Also, call your onc tomorrow because it takes a long time (3-4 weeks) for cancer-kids to get rid of H1N1 if they catch it. My daughter was in ER atleast twice (and hospitalized once) because her immunity was low and she had fever. So, I would not wait for H1N1 to be confirmed on you non-cancer child before calling the onc. On the other hand, I also think you should be ok if you talk to the onc tomorrow - just my thoughts.

Oh BTW: Have the kids being given H1N1 shots?

Best of luck,

Puneet

(Stuti's Dad)

www.caringbridge.org/visit/stuti

H1N1 is going through my child's class.  He is 6 months O/T and in kindergarten.  Even though he's O/T, he is still considered immunocompromised.  Therefore, he is on the list to get vaccinated.  We did go to get his shot on Monday and sure enough, he awoke not feeling well.  That was not like him to not want to lift his head off the pillow.  Before the shot, he got an examination and it was determined that he has an ear infection.  Our pedicatrician said that many of the H1N1 cases that they are seeing in children are presenting as a headache, congested with no runny nose, I guess its so thick that it doesn't drain.  Many of the kids are getting ear infections and they also have a junky type cough.  Well, that sounded like my little guy that day.  I asked if they could swab him for H1N1 and she said no problem - that wasn't very pleasant as they have to stick the swab WAY up the nose, but he was good with it.  The results take 3 to 5 days to come back, so we'll know by the end of the week.  He is on an antibiotic now for his ear infection and getting better.  I am very curious to find out if this is what he has.  He's fine otherwise, but just a plugged up head and a yucky wet cough.  His eyes are a little glassy too.  If it is H1N1 then he will not need to get the vaccination next week - if its not, he's getting vaccinated next week for sure.