Mmmm... I work in childcare and am early pg and I am freaking out. I'm going to talk to Health Department this week about whether we can tighten up exclusion rules.
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Mmmm... I work in childcare and am early pg and I am freaking out. I'm going to talk to Health Department this week about whether we can tighten up exclusion rules.
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I dont know what to do or think.
I school in our area has been closed, DH is talking about pulling DS1 out of childcare and kinder which I will so not cope with ATM with a 2 week old as well.
I am angry though 2 of the kids who were at kinder on tuesday were also at the doctors coughing and sneezing straight afterward (DH had to go as he had a car accident, to get checked over) and they were apparently already coughing and sneezing befoer they went to kinder.
Im supposed to be going to a baby meet up thingy on Tuesday with 27 mums and bubs and Im really not sure I should go.
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My Brother has swine flu he goes to melbourne high arghhh and he was over 2 days ago.
Lucy in the sky with diamonds.
Umm, I'm choosing not to believe the hype.
Its a mild illness, less than the 'normal' flu but that part keeps getting buried in the HEADLINES- SWINE FLU SPREADING *rolls eyes
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I agree LB has a mild cough and fever
hes just thrilled that he misses out on yr 12
Lucy in the sky with diamonds.
*sigh - yeah apparently my DD is 'quarantined' along with the rest of the VCE students at school....they aren't allowed to go to the library or anything. So stupid.
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oh my LB has 6 sacs this week and is now mr popular for infecting the school
and all the boys love him now hahahaha
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Agree - yes a few more people are getting it, it's not of epidemic proportions and no one is dying from it. Annually a rather staggering amount of people die from the regular flu (like thousands or more than thousands), yet no one is quarantined if they have a regular flu. It's all just a pile of media poo in my opinion.
But yes, be sensible if pregnant or with little ones as with any illness.
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DD1's childcare has just had it's first case of confirmed Swine Flu - Hmmm I think I will keep her home this week just because of DD2 only being 3 months old.
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That's the sensible approach and the one I am taking. The reason they are trying to restrict the spread is not because it is a Terrible Fatal Illness but because it is highly infectious and they are concerned about the pressure on the health system and the economy coming all at once - far better to have it staggered across the whole flu season.
Of course, small children and those with health problems need to avoid catching it if they can, and to that end, I won't be taking public transport and will be careful when out in public to avoid people who seem ill. But that's about as serious as we need to get, I think.
The trouble is, there is so much emotion around the words "epidemic" and "swine" that people are losing perspective a little bit.
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Media hype has everyone in a panic.
As has been said in this thread it has shown to be no worse than other regular flu strains. I would rather get it this time round than when/if it comes back a more virulent virus. At least i'd have immunity.
I have a 20 month old and a 10 week old, i am going about life as usual.
I think the middle road needs to be taken here.
Swine flu is seen as more of a threat as it is a new virus with no vaccine as yet. This does pose significant threat to those immuno suppressed... (elderly, babies, pregnant women, those on steroidal meds, the terminally ill).
Its not a disease to just fling off as being mild. It is reported my sufferers to be more severe than the "usual" flu.
It is sensible to be mindful that this is around - without pressing all your panic buttons. Stay healthy. Eat well. Get good rest. (for all the family). I wouldn't be takinga new born to a big shopping centre, nor a sick or immuno suppressed person. Simply because this increases risks of being in contact. Just commonsense.
I think our society has become complacent to contagious illnesses due to vaccinations. We have a responsibility if we feel unwell to stay home, limit contact with others. This is commonsense weather or not there is swine flu or any other type of contagious disease. Sadly many don't. They "push through" and end up spreading their germs among work colleagues and friends.
If you have flu like symptoms - see a doctor. Otherwise be mindful that this is around and take simple precautions without panicing and being over the top...
Below is an excerpt from WHO on this issue...
About the disease
1 May 2009
How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?
Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.
What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.
Regarding study of the first outbreak, have you received any feedback from the WHO team sent to Mexico to investigate the outbreak?
Teams are already sending epidemiological evidence but we will know more over the next few days.
Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?
No.
Is there any information on the economic impact of the outbreak so far?
No.
Why are we so worried about this pandemic possibility when thousands die every year from seasonal epidemics?
Seasonal epidemics occur every year and we are able to treat the virus with seasonal vaccines. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic. It is a new virus and one to which the populations will have no immunity.
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Yep, I agree! Unless you have a newborn, are elderly, or are seriously ill (immune disease etc) I don't think there is any reason to lock yourself in your home. (unless you do that for the "regular" flu).
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just like everything else i will pretend it wont happen to me...
my kids are healthy tis all good!
BellyBelly Member
what do you class as a newborn? i am getting progressively worried. was gonna start DD1 at a new day care as we have moved but now i am not so sure. plus i have started up at a gym and was gonna put both kids in the creche while i go but not so sure on that either.. but really do you put your life on hold?. i just dont know.
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