Swine Flu Hits Home

It is one thing to read about the Swine Flu in other parts of the country or other countries. It is quite another to have it affect schools and towns right in your own backyard.

It was officially announced on the evening news that the Schertz, Cibolo, and Universal City schools would be closed this coming week due to concerns about Swine flu. There were 2 confirmed cases in the Schertz school system last week. In subsequent visits by CDC personnel, there were determined to be a possibility of several more cases. On the recommendation of the health dept, that school system was shut down for the coming week. A few of the local churches also closed and held no services today.

I live in San Antonio. It takes about 9 minutes to drive to Schertz. To get to Schertz I must pass by Universal City. Like most very large cities, San Antonio is growing right up to the city limits of other cities.

One day care business was also closing -- just for Monday. The owner was cleaning and sterilizing every surface in the day care center. She said it was a hard decision but she felt it necessary for the health of her children. She will of course be closely monitoring all the children for any signs of the flu.

The best advice anyone can give to avoid the flu -- the usual common sense stuff.

Wash your hands frequently.
Sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and then dispose of the tissue properly.
Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.

I would like to add my own recommendations. Be aware of public door handles, hand rails, grocery cart handles, elevator buttons and crowds.

I did find it kinda funny, businesses are asking employees not to come to work if they have fever, sore throat or other flu symptoms. When I worked at the store, having a cold or the flu was not an acceptable reason to miss work.

So kids, enjoy your extra vacation while parents struggle to find day care. Oh and the school days have to be made up somewhere.

until next time - smile and wash your hands
Sharon
Answers For Your Health