SADS Foundation :: Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation

SADS Conditions and H1N1 or Seasonal Flu

What do you need to know?

Vaccinations:

Our physician experts are recommending that their patients with SADS heart rhythm conditions like long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia get the season flu AND H1N1 vaccines. Either the flu mist vaccination (live, attenuated) or the injectable vaccination (dead virus) is recommended. However, any other restrictions that apply for the general population also apply to patients with a SADS condition. In other words, a patient with a SADS condition and a lung condition should not get the flu/H1N1 mist vaccine.

Things to do if you have the "flu"--any type:

avoid low blood potassium (caused by diuretic drug use, vomiting or diarrhea)
1. if you or your child has diarrhea, make sure to stay well hydrated and replenish your electrolytes with fluids such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, Powerade, etc.

be especially careful about not taking drugs which prolong the QT interval
1. these would include Erythromycin, Zithromax® and some other antibiotics; Zofran® and some other anti-nausea and vomiting medications; Benadryl®, Sudafed and other antihistamines/decongestants

if you or your child has a fever (over 101^o), make sure you use Tylenol (acetaminophen) to control the fever. If you have an AED at home, make sure it is ready just in case
1. Fever is especially serious (potentially) with Brugada Syndrome. If you or your child has Brugada syndrome, you may want to call your doctor right away.
2. New research says fever may also be a problem if you have LQTS Type 2.
3. contact your doctor to see if you or your child need an EKG

Tamiflu and Relenza are drugs often used when a person has H1N1 (or is highly suspected of having it) and is at high-risk. As far as we can determine today, these drugs can be safely taken by patients with a SADS condition, if needed.

If you have had experience taking either of these drugs, please let me know ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 1-800 STOP SAD).