Is hayfever considered a highrisk factor for swine flu illness? My son takes zyrtec tablets daily to stop the uncomfortable symptons. They usually work.
Q: is hayfever a chronic illness?
Answers (1)
7/13/09 5:48pm
Hi Annette,
Hayfever, or nasal allergies, are considered to be a chronic illness. But according to the CDC, only kids with the following medical conditions are considered high risk for swine flu:
* immunosuppression
* chronic kidney disease
* heart disease
* HIV and AIDS
* diabetes
* asthma or problems with the lungs
* sickle cell disease
* chronic neurologic conditions
* cerebral palsy
* seizure disorders
Allergies often accompany asthma and they do affect the airways, but the effects do come and go, so the risk is not the same.
I'd encourage you to speak with your son's pediatrician for more info on his risk.
Good luck,
Kathi
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