I wasn't worried until a 23 month old baby boy died in Texas. AND, there are 2 "reported" cases in my area (Santa Clarita). The radio announcer recommended that people in areas of reported cases to stay in their homes. It obviously makes sense, but now I'm getting REALLY worried, because I have a son with asthma, and when he gets sick...he gets VERY sick.
We do all we can do, which DOES include very thorough handwashing, hand sanitizer and run from people who cough or sneeze in public :) I realize that people die every year from influenza, but we have experience and vaccinations for that unlike the swine flu.
I also live in Santa Clarita and just went on KHTS Radio web site. There are no confirmed or suspected cases of Swine Flu in Santa Clarita Valley or Castaic. There are higher than average number of people with "Bad" Colds or common flu, but no Swine Flu. No reason to freak out.
I thought the cases in Santa Clarita were a rumor? What school or age are these suspected people? If your son has asthma I would put a mask on him if he goes out in public. The little boy that died (23 mo) was in Texas...he was Hispanic and HAD BEEN TO MEXICO......so it makes more sense that he contracted the flu and it was very tragic. I know a lot of parents that are freaked out and want to keep their kids home from school. I have my teens washing their hands frequently, using alcohol sanitizer on their hands and fingernails when they can't wash their hands, not eating at the cafeteria, using a tissue or the alcohol rub after touching common places like door knobs and trying to avoid door knobs and coughing/sneezing/sick people. I have an infant and a 2.5 year old and I'm not taking them out unless I have to. I'm not going to germy places like McDonald's play land, the movie theater, Scooter's Jungle, etc for now. Even when I went to Walmart and the grocery store the other day I used the alcohol hand sanitizer on the cart and my hands before, during, and after. When you have your kids (and yourself) wash your hands, use warm water and wash for a minimum of 20 seconds, have them sing "Row, Row, Row your boat" two times or something while washing or count. If it's not for 20 seconds, the bacteria can still live. Try to avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose and wash before eating. My oldest goes to San Diego State and that is close to Mexico. A lot of kids go over there on the weekends and some went over Spring Break even though they were advised not to because of other dangers. I told her to talk to her teacher about taking her finals early and coming home for the summer. Although we can't be too careful or use too many precautions that are advised, I do think the media is sort of blowing this whole thing out of proportion as well. I do think they want us a bit paranoid so we watch their channels. Homeland Security has released 25% of their stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza so there are medications that will help treat this strain for now and they are even going to allow kids under 1 year old to take it if necessary. I'm worried about my 2.5 year old because he can't even have a normal flu vaccination because it has an egg-white base and he is allergic to eggs. I put a call into his pediatrician yesterday to find out if it's worth risking the allergy to give him the shot in the hospital and observe him for awhile verses him having no protection when he goes to preschool and is around his infant brother. I heard the flu shot does not help against this strain though. It is a weird feeling to wonder if they will raise the level to a pandemic. I hope we are all safe from any harm. Other countries are literally slaughtering all of their pigs and not allowing pork into their country; however, the officials do not believe eating pork can give you this flu...only human-to-human contact. Again, please let me know if you have heard official news that there are two cases in SCV and what school or how old the suspected victims are, thanks.
To put it in perspective, more people die from the regular flu each year.
However, you should always follow common sense hygiene. Always sneeze and cough into the crook of your elbow. clean the handles of shopping carts, never touch railings and escalator hand rails. watch who you kiss and/or hug hello, that includes shaking hands.
And Wash Wash Wash your hands. You should be able to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for the duration of a proper hand wash.
Not freaking out yet because people die from the flu every year, the regular flu. They are more concerned with this one because there is no vaccine for it and it's spreading. This is coming at a better time because the warmer weather is coming which means people aren't stuck inside with others all winter. Less chance of it spreading. Just take the precautions you take with the normal flu, lots of handwashing, enough rest, etc.
Kimberly,
I to live in SCV and have a (now grown) son with asthma... first relax... take any normal precaution as you would with a cold or other virus.
Make sure you have a supply of his asthma meds and also teach him to wash his hands - it has been said to wash your hands while you recite the ABC's at least twice.
All we can do is be prepared, be aware and not lock our selves up in our homes life is too short.. just use caution and be aware of who is around you that may be sick.
hope that helps
The CDC web site may hepl you feel better, I to live in Santa Clarita and have 4 kids 2yr to 11yrs. It is being reported this is not a super strong strain....So just follow basic hygene and all should be well.
Hi Kimberly,
Yes I can understand your worry, my son attends Golden VHS, and as soon as I heard the news I immediately contacted the school, they told me they had not heard of anyone at any school having swine flu. I imagine the schools started to get a lot of calls because before 10 am the superintended sent a telephone message and an email stating that, none of the schools in SCV had any cases of someone with swine flu. I don't know if this makes you feel at ease, just be informed that according to the Hart District, no reports as of yet. you may want to contact your son's school directly or Hart district.
Let's hope and pray that this gets under control and very quickly.
E.
