Y.,
My hubby is a nurse and has passionate (as you can imagine) views on this whole outbreak. First off, in reality, you'd be just fine pushing fluids and watching them. If your pedi wants them to take Tamiflu, go for it...it won't stop it, but could shorten the length of time they have it and make the symptoms less severe. However, because the CDC is tracking this outbreak, regardless of the real danger of it, I would take them to the ER or to a specialist that can test them (could call the hospital and ask who could do this instead of an ER payment/co-payment, etc). The only real reason to have them tested for this is to help the CDC track it and help them out. Otherwise, it's just like any other flu. The people in Mexico that have died (and the toddler in Texas that came from Mexico) didn't have great access to care. The toddler just got help too late. The people that have been sickened here have all been just fine with IV fluids, etc (my hubby has helped treat one of the kids). In reality, the WHO is trying to be cautious and proactive to prevent a bigger issue and save their jobs if it becomes a bigger issue if they didn't try to do something about it. However, if everyone thinks about it, there are over 18 million people just in Mexico City itself, and the cases reported have been around 2500. Now, there are likely many more unreported, but even if that number totaled 10-20K....that is a very small number. And the 180 that have dies there again, a very small number considering the access to healthcare. (this is all stuff my hubby has brought up). So, just for your comfort, the kiddos are likely to be just fine doing what you know how to do. That being said, to be a "good citizen" and help them track it, especially if they'd do it for free, it would be helpful to have them tested. Hope that helps!!!