Thoughts on flu and schools (Lewiston, Auburn: home, camper, dangerous)

[shadowfax1997]

We were told today at school that if someone in the building shows positive for swine flu, then we shut down for 7 days. I hope we wouldn't have to make it up, and really can't afford to miss any school time.

Also - they asked us to share the following video - kinda silly, but has good information. My students enjoyed watching it and promped great discussions.
www.coughsafe.com
click on watch video on left menu

[BacktoNE]

There are 2 cases out here in Milwaukee, one adult and one unrelated child. They closed the schools immediately for 7 days and then will re-evaluate after that. Seems to be SOP for this virus.

[lookinforahome]

There's a few kids at my school being tested for the virus who were in Mexico and now feel sick. The administrators are meeting with health officials to discuss further action that might be taken. They told us that if anyone is sick, to not come to school. Of course there are two schools in Kennebunk closed. Anyone hear any updates on the afflicted in Kennebec county? I haven't heard much about them since the original news came out that there were two cases there. Also, another case was just detected:


http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/st...53778&ac=PHnws

[forest beekeeper]

Since it has already hit Maine, and since it is spread much easier when folks are confined together, and since children are perceived as being more prone to colds / flus; it makes sense to me.

If one child has chicken pox it is generally understood that sending your children to school with him; will cause your children to get it also.

I would think that it would be about the same idea with the flu.

Generally we are told that children and the elderly are more susceptible to infections.

[lookinforahome]

This virus causes an over reaction by the body and deteriorates the lungs, and causes a buildup of fluid, which from what I hear causes you to choke on mucus (so basically causes pneumonia). They say it is dangerous for people with healthy immune systems because they fight back so strongly.The reason there is cause for concern is because this virus mutated and is missing a receptor or some part that controls its multiplying. It no longer regulates multiplying and makes it difficult to kill once it is advanced. It is a cause for concern because they say it is similar to the 1918 situation, where the virus was mild during spring, somehow survived the summer, and came back 10 fold in the winter. The difference is that this virus is weaker and does not exhibit the same traits so its hard to say if it is really dangerous. I personally think if we use common sense in hygiene and staying home if we're sick, it will all be fine.

That information was from news sources BTW, so I haven't yet checked the accuracy, but will soon.

[mollysmiles]

This virus causes an over reaction in *people* too. The superintendent at our school is canceling student trips. I am not a happy camper. We have no indication of the virus at our school or in our area. I agree--common sense hygiene and staying home if we're sick. BUT, even the acting director of the CDC doesn't recommend changing travel plans! This is just ridiculous.

[Elcarim]

Talk about over-reacting! SunJournal.com - Amid flu worries, Maine churches, schools limit contact

[reloop]

Originally Posted by mollysmiles

This virus causes an over reaction in *people* too. The superintendent at our school is canceling student trips. I am not a happy camper. We have no indication of the virus at our school or in our area. I agree--common sense hygiene and staying home if we're sick. BUT, even the acting director of the CDC doesn't recommend changing travel plans! This is just ridiculous.

There's one positive in Penobscot County as of now, and many others pending, but cancelling student trips at this point does seem a little bit much.