Matt Leingang
The Cincinnati Enquirer

With the death this week of a Forest Park infant who tested positive for influenza, health officials are cautioning parents not to be overly alarmed but to call their doctors if they have questions about the flu.

It is not clear if this year's flu season is harsher for children or whether it's just off to a faster start.

The federal government's best estimate suggests some 92 children under 5 die from flu annually. So far this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of about three dozen deaths among children of all ages.

Flu differs from a cold in that the virus attacks a person, particularly children, faster and makes them sicker.

The typical symptoms of influenza include chills, fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, swollen glands, vomiting and diarrhea. The child also may have a runny nose; earache; and red, watery, sore eyes.

When should you call a doctor?

Most doctors list these signs:

• A fever that lasts more than 36 hours.

• Shortness of breath while resting, a deep cough with lots of mucus, or chest pain.

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

A family doctor should be the first call, said Dr. Beverly Connelly, director of infectious diseases at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Hospital emergency rooms are extremely busy and should be used only when there is a true emergency, such as a child who has trouble breathing, has an extremely high temperature, acts confused or is too sleepy and is dehydrated - dry mouth or little urination.

It's not too late to get a flu shot, Connelly said. But finding them can be tough.

Hamilton County ran out Tuesday afternoon. It has given more than 3,000 shots this year, most of which were done in the past two weeks.

"We've called the state, and they don't have any more in Columbus," said Hamilton County Health Commissioner Tim Ingram. "We don't know when they'll get more, but when they do, we hope to get some our way."

The Cincinnati Health Department has held back 500 doses to be given in an unusual evening clinic from 5 to 8 p.m. today in Corryville at the Health Department headquarters, 3101 Burnet Ave.

Flu activity has picked up in Kentucky, too. Until Tuesday, the flu had been considered sporadic there. Now it is widespread - the state public health lab reports 55 positive flu specimens from 24 counties, and rapid screening tests show an additional 463 positive cases.

For area-wide flu shot information, call 931-SHOT.

Beyond the vaccine, health officials said, there are basic precautions to help prevent the spread of influenza. Avoiding contact with ill people and frequently washing your hands can reduce the risk of infection. People who cough or sneeze should cover their nose and mouth with disposable tissues or a handkerchief to limit spread of the virus.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com