Question to parents. Remove child from school because of Swine Flu?

As a parent I am very worried about sending my child to school right now.
I don't live in an area that has cases "so far" but I am in an area with a huge population of persons coming and going from Mexico.

We only have about 3 and a half weeks of school left and I am thinking about pulling my child out "now" so I can finish the 3 weeks with home schooling.
I'm wondering if any other parents are thinking about this as well?

I don't want to wait for the illness to hit our school before I take action, I want to take action now.

Thank You

I feel the same way. I live in NW arizona, you know the number of mexicans that come through this area. Nevada hires them for the casino hotels in laughlin and Las vegas by the 1000's.

I hope some certain information on what to do comes in tonight, if it does not, don't know for sure what I will do.

If I would be you, I would be more concerned about the school forcing the child to take a vaccine. The disease is very unlikely to kill children, as it acts like the 1918 spanish flu.

The prime target of the flu is supposed to be 18-35... IMO under 16 years old, people are safe, they could catch it, but IMO they wouldn't die from it in 99% of cases.

But of course it could mutate to hit all ages.

You should do what you consider the safest.

[edit on 26-4-2009 by Vitchilo]

reply to post by NATIVO


I am not a parent - although I am an aunt to many children.
So I hope you don't mind my input.

My question to you would be -
Why not let them stay home? What would it hurt?
Would it not be more mindful to just let them stay
home until we see what transpires.

We don't have to do what we think we should - or what is "expected" of us.
We have to use common sense - and do what we really believe is best.
Sometimes it is hard to see the difference.
But if we dig deep enough we know the answer.



[edit on 26-4-2009 by spinkyboo]

Excellent... I really feel it's best to keep my child out of school. Although in many cases the school district could cause problems for me for failing to send my child to school... They may also question why I have decided to keep her out and claim I'm overly paranoid.

Thanks

If the school system in AZ is anything like it is in Colorado they will be upset that children are not attending as it may cost them money.
I hate knowing that our schools only care about the money and not the well being of our children...

I may be too paranoid, but I doubt my child will be in school tomorrow

reply to post by NATIVO


I can feel your concern. I'm in Canada and have 3 kids in school. Although we have very few cases here and most are unconfirmed that I know of at this point...the cases are coming closer to where I live and I can't help but wonder if it's worth taking a chance. At this point I'm nowhere near pulling my kids...but I happen to live in an area where parents don't care much and will send their vomiting sick kids to school to avoid keeping them home (whether jobs are at risk or they just don't want to take care of them).

We had the norwalk virus rampage through my younger kids' school several weeks back and over half the staff and students were out sick by the time the school sent home any information about it...that's way too late in my opinion. But, I have a few staff members at the school that I have developed a good relationship with and knew about the illness before the school decided it was time to let parents know.

My suggestion is to approach a teacher or staff member you might have a good rapport/relationship with and see where they stand. My experience was that the "higher-ups" (eg: school board and principal) were quick to quelch any concerns and slow to finally release the info...so they might not be the best to talk to as they will minimize everything. If a trusted teacher thinks pulling the kids is a good idea, then I'd go for it. Good luck and keep us posted

Michelle

Originally posted by NATIVO


We only have about 3 and a half weeks of school left and I am thinking about pulling my child out "now" so I can finish the 3 weeks with home schooling.

You could do it for a week , watch how things transpires over the week and make an informed decision .

Turn these uncertain times , into quality time with your kid.

Make a silk purse out of this sow`s ear .

reply to post by NATIVO


Well I live in NB, Canada, and although there are no reports here yet, there have been to the west (Quebec) and to the east in Nova Scotia, which puts us dead in the middle.

Now my oldest son, he has an immune defiency that makes him highly suceptible to this kind of thing, so if I hear of any NB outbreaks he's staying home.

Since my husband is a pediatrician we have a well balanced diet and ofcourse all the vitamins and such you could image. So the other two will be fine, perhaps get them masks if my town is affected directly.

~Keeper

When the news od the outbreak broke on friday, I told my wife that our kids would be staying home from school next week. She was mad at me but I insisted. Now that things have progressed, she is in agreement with me. All of our kids will be taking the week off school. If the events continue, that time may be extended.

I live in cedar rapids Iowa. Would you think I should go to school? I have to ride a city bus to and from school also. Im kind of a hypochondriac soo maybe im just over worried.

Originally posted by NATIVO
Excellent... I really feel it's best to keep my child out of school. Although in many cases the school district could cause problems for me for failing to send my child to school... They may also question why I have decided to keep her out and claim I'm overly paranoid.

Thanks

I know. This is the problem isn't it? And it's a big one.
It's about what others will say - what the school will do - or who will lose money.
Our decisions are clearly based on the wrong factors.

This is because we have been told that we need to do it "their way".
I'm surprised we can even think for ourselves anymore.

Do what you feel is right. Feel it out.
See how it progresses. You are allowed to do that.
You are allowed to be pro-active for the sake of your children and yourself.
Just remember it is always your choice.
You are ultimately your own leader.





[edit on 26-4-2009 by spinkyboo]

I am so happy to hear from parents as concerned as I and I appreciate the comments.

Thank You

reply to post by ryckE


If you are able to stay home "do it" I'm not even going out to the stores until this is clear.

I dont know if i should stay home though. What if all of us are over reacting? Will I die if i get it?

I doubt you will die but why continue the spead? I bet if you get it you'll wish you would die... that is

[edit on 26-4-2009 by NATIVO]

Originally posted by ryckE
I dont know if i should stay home though. What if all of us are over reacting? Will I die if i get it?

Do you want to find out? So far all of the cases outside of Mexico have been termed "mild" but do you want to find out first hand just how mild it is when scores of Mexicans have died?

Well I think Ill go to school and lay low. Im only going to be out of the house for 5 hours. Im sure ill be fine if i just wash my hands and just not touch stuff on the bus.

My son just got over being sick, he's still sniffling, won't he be likely to pick up another illness? His school didn't even send home the child that caused mine to become sick so whats the chance that they will be on the ball about this?

I have a question about this flu and it is sorta kinda related to the kids in school. My daughter was vaccinated against the flu and I know there are different strains of it and this one is new. But I have always heard that if you have a vaccination against one and you get another, it can be a mild case. Wonder if it works with this strain?

I am sending mine to school because I don't really have any other options at the moment and my job doesn't just let me take off, not to mention that due to layoffs we are short handed as it is. I just can't stay at home. However I have spoken with her and she understands the importance of anyone feeling the least bit sickly and the use of hand sanitizer, etc., and have started giving her good doses of GSE. I've used this all winter long and haven't gotten sick (knock on wood) and I work with the public. And we also have a good population of Hispanics here as well.

That being said, you must do what you feel is the right thing for you to do. I would also suggest the usage of natural supplements, such as GSE, which is an antibacterial antiviral and anti fungal, and a good multi vitamin and extra C. Anything to boost the immune system. It surely can't hurt.