tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post2334382858544966348..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: A Flu Update - What you Need to Know about H1N1 (aka the Swine Flu)Cerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-64126328804596194742009-09-02T16:50:46.339-04:002009-09-02T16:50:46.339-04:00ONE (and only one) of my kiddo's teachers at D...ONE (and only one) of my kiddo's teachers at DHHS asked each of them in the class to bring in clorox/lysol wipes and hand sanitizer. She has the kids wipe down their desks at the end of each class. <br /><br /> Hooray for her - all the teachers should be encouraged to do this. I'll bet parents would not have a problem shelling out the $$ to send wipes to school for each class.Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36024687294567827002009-09-02T13:01:25.561-04:002009-09-02T13:01:25.561-04:00Good stuff, Dunwoody mom - thanks.
Also - the dea...Good stuff, Dunwoody mom - thanks.<br /><br />Also - the deaths from flu usually occur in compromised people (health issues already) and the elderly. My mother-in-law lives in an assisted living (Alzheimer's) facility and it's a big worry.<br /><br />I'd also like to remind people to never give children aspirin or products that contain aspirin. One of my friend's child got Reyes Syndrome years ago and it was harrowing. Stick with Tylenol.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-8901242474078957902009-09-02T10:47:05.665-04:002009-09-02T10:47:05.665-04:00Here are some good tips from an article by Sanjay ...Here are some good tips from an article by Sanjay Gupta on CNN.COM based on his conversation with a Pediatric ER doctor:<br /><br /><i>Point 1. As things stand now, the vast majority of children who develop flu-like symptoms this fall will have a few miserable days, and nothing more. And those days are best spent at home -- not in the ER or a doctor's office.<br /><br />Point 2. If you are worried, you should call your pediatrician's office first. Don't take your child in without calling. Two reasons: Your child may not have H1N1, but could become exposed by being around sick children. And, after several hours of waiting, you are still likely to be told the basics -- plenty of fluids, rest and dose-appropriate acetaminophen for a fever. After all, it is still the flu we are talking about. Dr. Gupta talks preparedness with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius »<br /><br />Point 3. One doctor told me a way to think about things that was helpful. He said "remove the term H1N1 from the equation." If your child had regular flu, would you take him to the hospital? If the answer is no, then don't take him/her to the hospital now.<br /><br />Point 4. Yes, hearing between 30,000 and 90,000 could die from H1N1 is scary, but keep in mind -- around 40,000 people die from the regular or seasonal flu every year. The numbers may not be that much different, yet there is not panic about the regular flu. As things look now, H1N1 is causing only mild to moderate illness, not the widespread deaths people are worried about.<br /><br />Point 5. There are some children who should be seen by their doctor. Call your doctor if:<br /><br />• A baby younger than 12 weeks has a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit<br /><br />• A child, older than 12 weeks has a fever for three days<br /><br />• A child's fever returns after a 12-24 hour time period<br /><br />• A child is not passing urine or making tears for more than six hours</i><br /><br />http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/01/parents.h1n1.flu.guide.gupta/index.htmlPaula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41356480176948744892009-09-02T07:39:06.411-04:002009-09-02T07:39:06.411-04:00My husband is working on Novel H1N1 at the CDC. H...My husband is working on Novel H1N1 at the CDC. He told me about symptoms yesterday that I didn't know existed. Apparently, about 40% of cases are presenting with vomiting and diahrrea, which are not typical flu symptoms. (These symptoms are also accompanied by fever, like regular flu). <br />And, while we're talking hand-washing....I am always amazed that our schools have no hot water in the bathrooms. I always think of the guy who comes to ELPC meetings, excoriating the condition of our bathrooms. But in any case, if people DO wash hands, they should rub soap on hands, fingers, etc for as long as it takes to sing the Alphabet Song, then rinse. Nobody ever does that, but it's worth encouraging. I DO think it's worth wiping down desks, doorknobs, and other public surfaces every day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-66658700087242212262009-09-01T13:50:50.406-04:002009-09-01T13:50:50.406-04:00From the CDC:
Wash your hands often with soap and...From the CDC:<br /><br /><i>Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.</i>Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-62161985909326567862009-09-01T13:18:12.630-04:002009-09-01T13:18:12.630-04:00Please note that antibacterial hand sanitizers are...Please note that antibacterial hand sanitizers are completely ineffective against viruses. The schools should NOT be encouraging their use as this is how drug-resistant strains of bacteria are able to develop and flourish. The CDC recommends hand washing (with regular soap!) and good cough/sneeze hygiene.<br />Come on folks, you're being taken for a ride by the manufacturers of these products (and their relentless marketing efforts). Unnecessary use of antibacterials sets us all up for serious long term public health problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-82533672168478171772009-09-01T09:37:12.055-04:002009-09-01T09:37:12.055-04:00Sorry, anonymous, I agree with you. However, I ha...Sorry, anonymous, I agree with you. However, I have a diva daughter and she would never use a school bathroom - heck she won't even touch the hand rails on an escalator. But, she's smart and does use Hand Sanitizer. <br /><br />Let's hope we all get through this school year without any major flu outbreaks, swine or otherwise.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84111942029616741902009-09-01T09:29:58.774-04:002009-09-01T09:29:58.774-04:00Dunwoody--
I didn't mean to imply that sanitiz...Dunwoody--<br />I didn't mean to imply that sanitizers should not be used when handwashing is not convenient or possible. I've bought enough of it for my kids' classes! My point was just to clarify that--when presented with the choice--soap and water, done properly, is more effective.<br />AlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-18498659873606476602009-09-01T09:15:35.033-04:002009-09-01T09:15:35.033-04:00Do you think students can just hop into the bathro...Do you think students can just hop into the bathrooms at any time? Nope. There are restrictions on bathroom time and access. The use of alcohol based hand sanitizer's are recommended so that people can clean their hands when a bathroom is not available. Why do you think that teacher's "wish lists" contain tissues and hand sanitizer?Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85490761824198548032009-09-01T08:58:31.720-04:002009-09-01T08:58:31.720-04:00Hand sanitizers are not better than soap and water...Hand sanitizers are not better than soap and water--if soap and water is used properly. Teach your kids, and yourself, to lather up well and sing the Happy Birthday song all the way through before they finish washing. Now if the soap is contaminated . . . <br /><br />Assume there is H1N1, or seasonal flu, among your kid's school population. There is flu in that population EVERY YEAR. To protect your kid and yourself, follow the steps outlined in the posting.<br /><br />AlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-19445444962708896042009-09-01T06:43:53.829-04:002009-09-01T06:43:53.829-04:00Hand washing in the high school is a joke. Last I ...<i>Hand washing in the high school is a joke. Last I checked not one student at Lakeside would dream of ever using the soap dispensers. </i><br /><br />Hand-sanitizers are better than soap. Small, purse sizes can be found anywhere. I bought several for my child - to carry in her purse, keep in her bookbag and in her locker.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-80336469822794709932009-08-31T23:22:21.906-04:002009-08-31T23:22:21.906-04:00I want to comment about the statement about other...I want to comment about the statement about other illnesses. IMO, the "example" of cold and allergies is insufficient. <br /><br />In speaking with many parents, I have heard (and experienced) that quite a few viruses are going around that are not flu but are much more severe than a cold. I cannot emphasize enough that everyone should refer to the CDC website BEFORE seeking treatment. <br />Whether it’s the flu or a virus, our kids are mostly better off at home resting than being shlepped to the doctor. Even with the flu, unless symptoms are severe, there is little the doctor can do except confirm or test for flu and prescribe Tamiflu, which is only effective if taken early in onset and only reduces the illness by about one day. (besides, the medical community wants to conserve the medicine for people most at risk of severe reactions to flu. I know most of us want our kids to get better NOW, but at what cost to others?)<br /><br />A number of non-flu viruses are circulating, including at least one that presents with strep-like sore throat and fevers, and/or headaches and coughing.<br />Parents should not freak out about HINI unless our kids show severe and frightening symptoms. Even with flu, as the CDC site clearly states, the best treatment is also the least invasive and least expensive - rest and fluids – not running to the doctor. Unfortunately, calling for a nurse consult usually results in a “bring them in just in case” recommendation, which makes it hard to trust our instincts.<br /><br />My daughter has been home with a virus that is similar to the flu in many symptoms, in particular mild to high fever and respiratory issues. There was a confirmed case of HINI the day she got sick. She “could” have the flu, but the lack of body aches and extreme fatigue indicate otherwise. Her sister was home for 10 days in July with fever viruses that tested negative for flu or strep. I took both to the doctor in spite of my instinct to keep them home b/c one had been exposed to strep in July, and my adult relatives guilted me into dragging the one who’s sick now, and I regretted not following my instinct and leaving her to rest.<br /><br />As hard as it is, it is so importance to keep them home an extra day w/out fever to protect other kids (my daughter was fever two days w/out medicine then had spikes in the evening to 100.5-101 - unfortunately, just enough to make her miss at least two more days of school - ugh! Ironically, she is more worn out today, her fifth day of being sick, than all the others.<br />I think that is opposite of flu symptoms.<br />Rest, fluids, love and isolation. A trip to the doctor can't do much more than tire them out. Unless your loved one is seriously ill, keep them home and wash your hands a lot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54213270374524987742009-08-31T22:36:56.366-04:002009-08-31T22:36:56.366-04:00Tonight at Dunwoody, the principal implored parent...Tonight at Dunwoody, the principal implored parents to notify him if a child has the flu. He says he can't act on rumors (ie sending communication.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-67280356801017580942009-08-31T21:56:05.232-04:002009-08-31T21:56:05.232-04:00I know of at least 3 confirmed cases of swine flu ...I know of at least 3 confirmed cases of swine flu at Lakeside and not the first email has been sent to let families know. Hand washing in the high school is a joke. Last I checked not one student at Lakeside would dream of ever using the soap dispensers. The tops are missing and rumors are that students spit and urinate in them. Lakeside was supposed to have gotten warm water in the restrooms next to the cafeteria about 2 years ago. If I had to guess I'd say it was never done. But that's just my cynical side showing through. Anyone know if this has been done?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-35419279990717633992009-08-31T19:38:25.317-04:002009-08-31T19:38:25.317-04:00Everyone should know if there are cases in your ch...Everyone should know if there are cases in your child's room, so that you can be looking for symptoms in your child and family, especially if you have people in your home who are in the high risk groups. Honesty is always better than the denying cases which is what is taking place in my school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-60357504338032156342009-08-31T18:43:22.567-04:002009-08-31T18:43:22.567-04:00Mom's and Dad's: Teach your kids how to wa...Mom's and Dad's: Teach your kids how to wash their hands the proper way. it's amazing as a teacher how many children either do not wash their hands or don't do it the right way!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9669074819688223092009-08-31T18:22:44.980-04:002009-08-31T18:22:44.980-04:00Here's a question for the group:
Should the ...Here's a question for the group:<br /><br /><br />Should the schools post notification if there is one or more confirmed case(s) of Novel H1N1 in the school's population? Would it be useful information of would it promote hysteria?Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.com