Swine Flu and Students

There is much talk about the Swine Flu and what schools should do if major outbreaks occur. However, I got an interesting insight last week from my family physician. My son got sick last week with a runny nose and a cough – two of the symptoms listed for Swine Flu. I personally felt that he had a cold. I could feel a cold coming on the same day. I kept him home from school but instead of taking it lightly like I might for a typical cold, I went ahead and took him in to see the doctor. I did this for one major reason: kids were being sent home from his school if they exhibited even one of the listed symptoms.

Our doctor, an older gentleman, took one look at my son and said he didn’t have the flu. He had seen a few cases in the past week and there were some major signs of the flu, most especially a high temperature along with other problems like vomiting or diarrhea. He went ahead and gave my son a thorough exam. He said that many schools were being very cautious so he  and wrote me a note saying my son could return to school the next day… just in case they wanted to send him home. He also said that the flu from what he had seen was like other flus that come along. Of course they should not be taken lightly. Each year the flu results in numerous deaths. I left wondering if this was much ado about nothing….

In our state, I know that many counties are preparing for scenarios where they might be closed down due to a flu epidemic. One avenue some have considered is putting all students into some form of online course while the schools are closed. However, the CDC has changed its views over time concerning school closure, leaving that decision up to the individual districts.

I know that a vaccine is in the works and many school districts across the nation are providing it to students for free. However, it will not be mandatory. I know that many of my fellow teachers are eager to get the vaccine, but I’ve never been a huge fan of flu vaccines after getting sick from one many years ago. However, needless to say, I’ve been extra cautious with hand washing and using hand sanitizer between classes. Hopefully, we will all get through the fall and winter safe and healthy!

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