Sick schools prompt tough decisions WAYNE THIBODEAU The Guardian
ST. LOUIS — A Pleasant View mother of four says it was a ‘no brainer’ to pull her two children out of St. Louis Elementary after more than half of the entire school’s population came down with the swine flu.
Tishie Shea said her four-year-old daughter, Madison, suffers from seizures and Shea was terrified her two elementary-aged children, Ashley, 9, and Connor, 7, may come home with the highly contagious H1N1. Her oldest son, 12-year-old Bradley, already caught the flu. He’s a student at M.E. Callaghan Intermediate in Woodvale.
“The thing that scares me the most is Madison,” Shea said from her Pleasant View home.
“If she ever got a fever that we couldn’t control, it could be deadly for her.”
St. Louis Elementary is a small, close-knit school in the western part of P.E.I. with a dubious distinction.
It is a sick school.
St. Louis has the highest absenteeism rate due to swine flu in the province.
On Monday, more than 47 per cent of the students were out sick. That climbed on Tuesday to more than 52 per cent.
Dale Sabean, superintendent of the Western School Board, said he’s at a loss to explain why St. Louis is being hit so hard by swine flu. He said about 20-25 children at St. Louis, much like other schools, are healthy but their parents are keeping them home because of fears of swine flu.
There are now 29 schools reporting an outbreak of swine flu, which means 10 per cent of the school population is sick. That’s down from 35 schools on Monday.
Only two schools are reporting absenteeism rates above 30 per cent, including St. Louis and O’Leary Elementary.
O’Leary has 30.1 per cent sick.
Despite the numbers, Sabean said schools will stay open and parents are being urged to send their children to school as long as they are healthy.
“There is no magic number,” said Sabean.
“It’s more a function of our ability to staff the school than it is any particular percentage of students absent.”
Suzanne Deagle of Miminegash continued to send her daughter to St. Louis Elementary despite the spike in sickness at the school.
That’s until her daughter started exhibiting signs of sickness on Tuesday.
“She stayed home today because she had a sore throat,” Deagle said Tuesday.
As long as her daughter remains healthy, Deagle said she’ll continue to send her to school.
“A lot of the parents I’ve spoken with it’s mostly staying home because they just don’t want their child getting it,” said Deagle, adding that many parents are also keeping their children away from organized sports, religion classes, and other events that require large groups of children to be together.
There are 151 students and staff at St. Louis Elementary.
There were 71 out sick on Monday and 79 missing on Tuesday.
There were only three students in Grade Four.
Back in Pleasant View, Shea said there is a well-established routine at her home.
A bottle of hand sanitizer is placed near the front door of their home and the children wash their hands with it as soon as they come in the front door.
After four days away from school, Shea decided to send her children back to school this week after her older son, Bradley, recovered from the swine flu.
“His temperature went up to 103F with two adult Advil and a Tylenol,” she said.
“I took him in to have his lungs listened to because I was nervous, especially when you hear about that little boy, the hockey player, dying in Ontario.”
The Guardian is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions on a wide range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online conversation among our readers.
This is a moderated conversation. Once a reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it goes to a moderator for the website. Once it has been approved, your comment will be displayed on the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for reasons of content or language.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable content.
bill from pei writes: the school system is suffering from a delusion of adequacy
parents should keep their children home when they feel it is the right thing to do
the parent is the one in charge--
when they keep the child home i am sure they do so responsibly and also make provisions to carry out their role as prime educators of their children as well
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
BOB DOLE from PEI writes: really half of the school kids there have been confirmed with swine flu? I wish the reports would stop contradicting themselves, first they say we are in the grips of a Pandemic(good way to scare the general public) then they say there are some many people with swine flu, then they say there are only a dozen confirmed cases, now a school up west had half the kids out with swine flu. just because someone coughs, sneeze's or has the sniffles they DO NOT have swine flu. I wish the media would report some true information. and if your kids goes to school with little Timmy and little Timmy gets H1N1 then it is probably to late to take your kid out of school. they need to send the kids to school with mask's & rubber gloves on, with the test scores as low as they are on PEI they can't afford to miss anymore time.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
preventative measures from Charlottetown, PE writes: Wow! I thought the rule was to close them if there was a 30% absenteeism at the school. Why has this changed? Doesn't it make sense to close the schools for 10 days and just keep kids home!?! Let them either get past the flu, get through their incubation period and be done with it! If there was an opportunity to vaccinate them prior to the break, even better! It just makes sense! I know, parents can't stay home for two weeks, but if a parent has 2 or 3 kids in school; they are likely taking up to two weeks off already with flu like symptoms per child!! Shorten the Christmas break or the March Break. I know, tradition screams volumes here on PEI...however, we are in the middle of pandemonium and pandemic panic...ease the minds of those parents who have been lucky enough not to show signs yet and are keeping their children home safe and away from it all. 2 weeks of just hanging out with Mom/Dad/grandparents or other relatives won't hurt these kids. The federal gov't should have a financial plan in place for parents who were forced to keep their children home when even showing the first signs of the flu. I am quite sure they do not..as they are currently being criticized for their efforts in pandemic planning! We can point fingers and raise riots for the next 3 - 5 months while flu like symptoms continue to ravage our youth, or we can go to our school board and ask what we can do to help with a solution. We place too much faith in the system and are way too fast to jump all over them when they show that they are capable of fault. If you have any ideas on what to do...contact your local school board or whomever you can to support your children!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
give me a break already from PEI writes: Enough already!
Stop calling every flu like illness H1N1. It is not confirmed that all or any of the children in these schools have contracted H1N1.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
crazy school? from ellerslie, pei writes: Sabean..you are crazy..send my kid to school?...im not waiting til they get sick to pull them out.. i think thats why every parent that took there kids out of school is doin that....school board may say send them..but i'm not crazy...or some may say i am for not sending them....well whatever i am..its my choice to keep them home....i just wish they would close the schools..my daughter is a junior high student and i hate the thought of her missing so much time...but i think her health is more important!!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
me from pe writes: Now they decide to start giving the kids the shot for H1N1 after all the kids in the schools are already sick with it the viris. That's nice isn't it.But this week,it is only for grades1,2,3.So if anyone who has children in grades 4,5, and 6 should take the schedule Pd day for themselves and enjoy themselves that day while the teachers are sitting in school.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Curious Georgia from pe writes: How many of the 52% have actually been diagnosed as having H1N1?
Shools are also experiencing absenteeism due to FEAR of getting sick or the usual run of the mill colds, flus, etc.
If after-school; and weekend functions are still being scheduled, e.g. hockey and other indoor activities, then it is futile in keeping children out of school.
Common sense should prevail, the more group settings one is exposed to, the more likelihood of getting flu symptoms.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
concerned MOther from charlottetown, PE writes: I thought the Eastern School board policy for the H1N1 was that when there was 30% absenteeism, they were shutting schools down!!! Why are they leaving them open. Don't develop a policy, and then not follow thru with it!!!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
SILVERFOX from pei writes: Just hoping MRHS hits 35%! Love to have the day off
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
me from pe writes: All you people on here saying I'm not sending my kid to school..... that's part of the reason for the high absenteeism. These numbers are really high compared to actual cases.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
pei parent from pei writes: My kids are still in school for the soul fact that I cannot keep them in a bubble for the rest of the winter. Those of you keeping them home, any idea of how long you're going to do this.? I didn't hear them mention an expiry date on H1N1. Did you?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Really from PEI writes: I know for a fact that they are not testing everyone who has flu like symptoms so to say that over 50% of the students have swine flue is wrong. It would be nice if our media would learn to get the facts instead of trying to spread fear in everyone. It seems no matter what your have for symptoms you have the swine flu. How many people are being misdiagnosed because all our medical profession have got tunnel vision with regards to this H1N1.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Devil's Advocate from PE writes: Boy am I glad that our inmates are done while our children waited. My only question is, What crime can I commit that will only get me a day or two in jail so I can go to the head of the line and get my shot... ?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
joe from pei writes: I was at the mall yesterday,I think all the sick little darlins were there doing their Xmas shopping.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Fear Monger from chtown, pe writes: School closures were never based on 30% student absenties, but 30% staff absenties. Is the swine flu deadly? Yes, Is it more deadly then the normal flu? No. The difference with the swine flu is it is more contagous, more deadly to young people, less deadly to old people. To die from this is less likely then winning the lottery. So go get you ticket.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Gerry from pe writes: To preventative measures. You are kidding right?
You say: The federal gov't should have a financial plan in place for parents who were forced to keep their children home when even showing the first signs of the flu??
How would YOU suggest it be monitored, physically and financially? Remember, it would not be the Federal Government paying, it would be US, the tax payers.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
It's a personal decision from PEI writes: To PEI parent ...I am one of the parents that have chosen to keep my children home. For how long, you ask? None of your business! That's the problem...it's a personal decision. I hope you kids don't get sick, but by looking down upon those of us that have made that decision is not fair. I didn't hear the expiry date on H1N1 either...so if you find out, maybe you can let the rest of us know. I just hope you and others that are sending their children to school have the good sense to keep them home if they are showing signs of sickness.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
frankthetank from summerside, pe writes: Judging from some of the comments, some people don't realize that the province is no longer testing everyone with flu like symptoms for H1N1. The only people who will be tested are those who are hospitalized. However, the influenza going around is H1N1, so if you have the flu (aka influenza) then you most likely have H1N1.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Protective Parent from PEI writes: I agree totally with It's a personal decision ... I too have taken my child out of the school system. I have another high risk child at home that is not in the school system, and I did this to try and protect my whole family. We all received our shots, because of our high risk child, so I am keeping my kids home until the 2 week period is up after receiving the shot. This includes any extra curricular activities, like hockey, church, etc. If you're gonna do something, you may as well do it all the way.....you can call me overprotective, but I just did what my gut was telling me, and followed my instincts. I will be so glad when this flu is overwith, and everyone is vaccinated.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Kourtney from PE writes: They are not doing any type of testing to confirm H1N1. They just ask you about your symptoms and they say yes, you have H1N1 or No, you don't have H1N1 That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. We will never know how many actual cases of H1N1 we have/had on PEI! They are still reccommending the seasonla flu shot as well as the H1N1 shot. There are 3 types of flu on the go this year. I am pregnant and was practically forced into getting my H1N1 vaccine and my seasonal flu shot upon my regualr visit to my obgyn. Just because you have the flu...does not make it H1N1! There is still other viruses on the go!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Many Factors at Play AT from PEI writes: In my opinion, the only Flu circulating is not only the H1N1 Every Flu Season there are at least three strains circulating. So some of you believe this year for some unknown reason these other FLUS all got together, had a meeting and decided they wouldn't come to PEI because the H1N1 was here!!
And it is not a Fact that the H1N1 is no more serious than any other Flu! Even our Health Professionals have stated it can be very serious and especially if anyone has chronic health problems or underlying conditions. Many children have one or the other!
As far as children being out of school and at the Malls! I think that is a mute argument!
It would be very expensive and time consuming to test EVERY single person with Flu Symptoms to find out if it is H1N1, hence they're not doing so!
Dr. Morrison has still not answered the question as to whether the Tests can be done here or they're being shipped to Winnipeg? Halifax has to ship their tests to Winnipeg I've been told which presents a time factor. So I don't believe we're ever going to know for sure how many H1N1 cases are circulating!
As far as Parents who have decided to keep their children home, I agree, It's Their Right and ONLY their Business!
I'd rather have a problem with adding up the number of Flu Cases in the schools than having to determine the number of kids who are seriously ill from H1N1 or worse!!
Vaccine is Delayed, these Children are the ones who are at Greatest Risk for cotracting the Virus! If there was a chance that my Child could possibly become seriously ill or worse from a Virus that is circulating in the schools I'd keep my child home! However, everyone is free to make their own decision. But I have to wonder if those criticizing the parents keeping their children home know the circumstances surrounding their decision? Some to those children could have underlying health problems!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Displaced Islander from Calgary, Alberta writes: Ridiculous.
Does the Guardian have an editor?
Over 50% with swine flu???
Shoddy reporting on shame on the Guardian for publishing this rubbish.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Gerry from PEI writes: Why don't they set-up internet classrooms and let the children all stay at home.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Sick with H1N1 in PEI from PE writes: There will never be any accurate statistics of how many people have confirmed cases of H1N1. The hospital and Dr.'s offices are telling you to stay home unless you have severe symptoms. I've been sick since Saturday, I think it is H1N1 as I have all the symptoms fever, chills, aches, chest congestion, but I'll never be a confirmed case unless I experience severe complications? I guess it is severe when my fever gets to the point I forget who I am or I simply stop breathing?!
The statistics are not representing the true extent of what is happening here!
Trust me when I say you will know if you are sick with this Flu! I've never felt like this for a long time, if ever before! Don't take it lightly and do whateve you can to prevent it.
Still Sick with H1N1 in PEI
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Get a Grip from PEI writes: At the risk of repeating myself..... get a grip folks.
Your anger to each other is appalling!
Doesn't solve a thing.
Use some common sense!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Concerned Mother from Summerside, PEI writes: My two children are at home this week with Strep Throat ...which is also on the go... and if you bother to search the symptoms of Strep Throat the are almost the same as H1N1 is this what some of are children have? They are not bothering to swab so how would we know.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
probably get worse from pe writes: Wait till Christmas shopping madness begins! Hope theres plenty of vaccine handed out before that.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Ann from PE writes: We can not protect our children from everything but we can try to minimize the risk. Parents need to educate themselves about H1N1 (get the FACTS, not gossip) then decide what is right for their child. However, do these parents realize that even after their child gets the vaccine it takes about 2 weeks to become effective? Or that they may be bringing the virus into their home each time they go out (handsanitizer only sanitize hands)? And do they keep their child from leaving home or having company while out of school? How long should they keep their child isolated when they are not even sick? Will they keep their child home for the next influenza virus that hits too? A lot to think about I think.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Hip Hip Houray from PE writes: Hey BOB DOLE, I think it's time for you to mosey on back to Washington.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Jennifer from pei writes: If schools are closed where are the kids going to go???? To the mall, to daycares, to a sitter's house, etc.... not everyone can be home everyday for days on end til the schools are reopended!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
me from pei writes: personal decision..i totally agree with you..i have kept my children home as well! :) and its none of anyones business..mine will be home until i feel its ok for them to go back..perhaps the two weeks after the shot..or maybe not
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
A-Hu-Mom ... from Charlottetown, PEI writes: To Fear Monger....Thanks for the heads up in letting the general population know that the h1n1 virus does not claim any more lives than the regular strain of flu. I think that the majority of the population knew that seasonal flu took its toll on the elderly, the sick, the very young and those with underlying health conditions. In fact, I believe that the general population has more or less accepted this unfortunate reality for years. However, to suggest that a flu that strikes the most healthy (much like SARS) and takes children and healthy people is something that we should all should consider to like the lottery, tells me that #1 you don't have children and #2 you don't have children with underlying problems like asthma (prevalent in PEI), heart conditions or diabetes.
Does the media often cause further fear among the general public? Sure. Do they also inform the public on important issues?...yep. Are there healthy kids that have died from the virus?....yes. Where does this leave us?
I have two kids. (One with asthma.) I believe that my second child (who does not have asthma) has already suffered h1n1 and come through it fine and I must admit that I was not that worried about her. My second child however has asthma...and I have years of experience in watching my child endure the normal flu strain which has reduced him to such a small airflow that he became in distress and color changed. As a parent, you can not imagine the helplessness that one feels at watching this. The h1n1 particularly targets the respiratory system and a huge percentage of those hospitalized are youth with asthma. (PEI has one of the largest, if not the largest rates of asthma in the country.)
I hope you may understand why your comments....which serve to reduce those concerned to uninformed and paranoid may be considered rude to some.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
grandparent from from up west, pei writes: My two year old granddaughter was dianosed wiyh h1n1 . her older sister came down with the symptoms but was not swabbed for it. Everyone who goes in wiyh flu are told it is h1n1. How do they know this without testing them? Is this not flu season. My opinion is its a money grab for the pharmasutical companies to make money.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
NOTE
The management of this site emphasizes that it is in no way liable for persons, physical or legal, who are hosted here. Moreover, the managers of this site may not be held liable for errors and omissions that may slip into the information displayed in these reader comments. Everyone who submits a comment should read, understand and agree to the Terms of Usage for this section.
