This weekend we received a letter from my son's doctor (pediatric endocrinologist at UVA). The letters states that the CDC has advised that in the event of a huge h1n1 outbreak at our school, the diabetics (because of high-risk of complications) should stay home even if they are well until the outbreak begins to subside. The letter provided language from the ADA legal department and statements from the CDC. The letter encourage us to get a particular paragraph about this inserted into our 504 or Diabetes Medical Management Plan now.
I'll post more text from the letter if anyone is interested. My son flipped when I showed him the letter, insisting there was NO WAY he would miss lots of school if he was well. (GPA obsessed) I don't know what we'll really do if things "get bad." But we're officially requesting a 504 evaluation anyway, so I'll throw that letter in the pile with all the other stuff. I just wish that if things get bad they would close the schools. I know it's a hardship for some families and a general PITA for most parents, but closing the schools would suit me just fine.
Lol, @ Pat. I know that H1N1 is not the greatest of things and I find it weird how obsessed people are with the outbreaks. While it is better safe than sorry, but I wonder how bad or how much more we are likely to be affected by the flu. I for one try to avoid all illnesses but they happen. The only difference I have made to my life is to avoid those with colds as best as possible. However, I am neither a doctor nor an employee of the CDC.
MMmm, Actually I am traveling down to california and the family i was supposed to stay with has this flu. >< doh*
We are actually looking now to avoid southern cali and Sacramento all together, we were also going to go to mexico but it looks like that is out. I am contemplating getting a facemask. Any other suggestions?
MMmm, Actually I am traveling down to california and the family i was supposed to stay with has this flu. >< doh*
We are actually looking now to avoid southern cali and Sacramento all together, we were also going to go to mexico but it looks like that is out. I am contemplating getting a facemask. Any other suggestions?
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face masks are a waste of time IMHO. you have to change your mask every 3hours because they get moist and are a feeding ground for baterica once that happens. what a waste of money!
Considering Influenza A and H1N1 are both airborne transmitted, a mask is anybodies best defense. There are Hepa masks (we use the 95's at my hospital) that are good and reuseable unless chunky soiled. I am not generally a reactor to epidemic hysteria, but I have been watching the cases come through our ER, and I DO NOT want this virus. The number of cases are growing every day. I work in one of five major hospitals in my city and there are greater than 75 cases a day coming through our ER. That being said, be smart. Don't hang around sick people. Wash your hands. Consider getting the vaccine. I will be seriously considering whether to send my T1 daughter to school should it become an issue. No science quiz is worth the problems that can be avoided by keeping distance. One last thought, If you think you have the flu, be courteous and wear a mask to protect the people around you. Serious, nobody wants this one.
just a fact about h1n1 that my insurance nurse person told me- the older you are, the less likely you are to get the virus.. and that purell doesnt replace handwashing..
just a fact about h1n1 that my insurance nurse person told me- the older you are, the less likely you are to get the virus.. and that purell doesnt replace handwashing..
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I think you have to be over 50 or something to have some immunity, so sadly, I think most of us still should be careful.
That's interesting and funny that a school would send out letters asking certain students not to come. I'm hoping I can get the vaccine soon (I know, I know, many people won't agree w/ me, but I plan to get it), so I don't have to worry. But, if work sent me a letter not to come -- no problem!!!
At my school there have already been like 10 or 11 confirmed cases of the swine flu. I'm kind of worried but ..... Oh yeah and then today my mom got an e-mail from my princaple saying that there were 8 more confirmed cases of flu like symptoms. Just think about it though. If there have already been this many cases and it isn't even October yet. There was also this kid in my state that died from it. It's a really scary thing to think about.
One of the guys on my rugby team contracted H1N1 while I was in London...this was 2 weeks ago and he's fine and healthy now. Granted he isn't a diabetic but I drove him home from practice tonight so we'll see if I drop dead anytime soon.
i would not worry about this letter from your doctor, swine flu is really only bad because of all the hype from the media. i only say this, because i am a swine flu survivor..haha...but anyway, it was not any harder to manage due to my diabetes, and i think i can say that diabetes makes it harder to fight the swine flu, because i caught it at ...*drum roll please* diabetes camp! 65 other diabetics also got sick there, and everyone survived, i am proud to say!(: that being said, we were all started on tamiflu immediately, but nobody saw any further complications than the flu symptoms due to their diabetes..and the swine flu is no worse than the seasonal flu. therefore, i would not worry too much about your son's diabetes and the risk of catching swine flu..
My 16 year old daughter's endocrinologist is in Charlottesville - C. Zitnay. I haven't rec'd any letter. We were previously with Dr. Clarke at UVA.
I did hear from school nurse today that a letter was sent from a ped. endocrin. in Charlottesville recommending all children with chronic illnesses stay out of school Tues. and Wed. of this week with an update after that. The nurse is recommending we keep our daughter home and so we are gladly complying. I had just this weekend e-mailed ass't. principal at my daughter's h.s. (Wilson Memorial - Augusta County) and expressed my concern about her attending school until she can get h1n1 vaccine (which will be administered at school starting next week).
I would appreciate seeing any of the text in the letter sent home for my own information. I agree with the logic behind it.
You are lucky to have received such timely and patient centered guidance.