What do you think about the Swine Flu?

[pfunk12]

I received an automated call yesterday afternoon from my daughter's school informing us that a student was sent home from school because one of the student's parents had the swine flu. The student's father, a World Bank employee, had just traveled to Mexico. One of my daughter's friends called last night to say that her mom was keeping her home from school today as a precaution. I respect her decision but I don't think it's necessary. Much to my daughter's dismay, she will be going to school today On the other hand, when my ex-husband finds out, my daughter might be quarantined

[Veronica]

I had another kid convince his mom that he needed to stay home yesterday. That's after the superintendent called using our automated system saying our district has no cases of swine flu. The mom called in his absence and our clerk told her it would be unexcused. The mom realized then that her boy had played her. Yeah, this is one of my difficult kids.

I would understand parents keeping their kids home if there was someone anywhere in the district who had it.

The girl who stayed home on Wed. because of flu worries fell off her dad's motorcycle. She's got a lot of road rash, but no flu.

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

The girl who stayed home on Wed. because of flu worries fell off her dad's motorcycle.

!@#%W#$%^#$%^&@#$%!@!~#$%^&$%&^*%^&(^&*(


(I really don't have anything more useful than the above to say about parents who allow their children to ride motorcycles [or bicycles!] without proper gear on, especially after they've expressed some kind of concern for their health.)

[maillotpois]

Yeah, seriously. DD hates the moto boots and gear but she has to wear them. Even so, her chances of being injured on the moto are higher than dying from swine flu I suspect.

[Fujichants]

I'm quite worried about swine flu. I sure as heck stay away from people who cough or sneeze without covering their mouth (seriously why on earth do you think it's OK to spread your nasty germs??)

[Eden]

I'm really glad I finally have allergy meds that work this year...... I'd have to wear a sign around my neck saying "its just allergies you can't catch it" otherwise...

[Crankin]

There's a case in the town next to me.

[maillotpois]

I had a little bit of sore throat, fever and nausea early in the week. we made the mistake of joking that I had Swine Flu to my super hypochondriac sister in law. So... she didn't let her kid to go a movie with my kid today. my kid is perfectly healthy and the reason it would have been nice for my kid to go to the movie w/the grandparents and her kid is because I was doing a 200k in the rain. in other word I mostly recovered from my SIMPLE UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION. sheesh people. (last time we try to out hypochondriac a true hypochondriac).

[Blueberry]

I've had a sore throat and a drippy nose for a couple of weeks. Maybe I should run to the doc for an antiviral...or wait...maybe it's allergies

(In case it doesn't come across, that's a joke. I have allergies, not swine flu. And I'm not rushing to the doctor.)

Yes, it could be serious. It's not time to panic yet. They haven't even confirmed it in my state, and people are running around in face masks

[Tuckervill]

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

[sundial]

Here's my favorite map:

http://www.idemc.org/

While this flu strain my not be as devastating, I think it will bring in the next wave of a more dangerous virus.

[Tuckervill]

That map is SCARIER, even though it shows fewer cases than the one I posted. Something about the red and yellow banner scrolling by at the bottom! lol.

Yep, I don't think this is a laughing matter...but it would seem that, as opposed to other pandemics in prior centuries, we're better informed and can be better prepared on an individual basis to do what is necessary to mitigate the effects.

Karen

[Geonz]

Here's my favorite map:

http://www.idemc.org/

While this flu strain my not be as devastating, I think it will bring in the next wave of a more dangerous virus.

And the hysteria about this one could easily lead to complacency about the next.

[Blueberry]

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

True - but I'm not sure what precautions I can take that I don't already take (other than stopping riding public transit, which I'm not planning to do unless things get worse). I already wash my hands, try to keep my distance from those who appear sick, etc.

CA

[Mr. Bloom]

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

I agree.

I don't think there is any panic or overreaction except from people who are naturally prone to panic or overreact. I think there's been a lot more panic coverage of the economy than the swine flu.

As a consumer, I felt that there was adequate coverage of the facts, including the potential concern, and that I was free to make my own assessment and conclusion of what was right to do. I, for one, will not wait on the government to tell me when I have a problem or count on them to provide me what I need to respond to it.

I made sure that we had what we needed if the situation escalated...and that gave me peace of mind.