H1N1 and Being a Responsible Parent

With H1N1 plastered all over the news lately, it is impossible to ignore. The media has done a spectacular job of hyping up the fear in this ailment for everyone. Questions abound from everyone at the slightest sniffle, cough or sneeze. It's getting old and the real season for the H1N1 and flu is not even upon us yet!

As a parent of a toddler in daycare, I have already seen a sign announcing the first case of H1N1 in the daycare center. So far just that one though. The daycare took precautions to post special rules for those who are infected, and hopefully they follow those rules to keep things under control there. Still, I half expect to see a small outbreak there too before the winter is over. In the meantime, we take precautions, keeping the kiddo at home if he has a fever or cold, and being nearly obsessive about washing hands.

Yesterday, a coworker's wife and daughter dropped by the office. I later found out that same daughter has H1N1 (has, not past tense of had) and yet she was out and about. This coworker got sideways glances from everyone but quickly stated, "it's just another form of flu". True enough, but I was, and still am rather upset by the fact that they had the gall to come by the office when she is still sick!

I did not cause a scene or say anything, but I wanted to scream, what in the hell are you doing out of the house? I believe if you have an illness that is known to be rather contagious, it is your responsibility as a parent to KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME until they are well. Am I crazy? Is that too much to ask?

As it turns out the three of them are going to a large public event tonight and I cannot help but wonder how many unsuspecting people they will expose. The defense for this is that they purchased tickets well in advance and don't want to see them go to waste. I say find a babysitter who can watch your sick child and go, don't expose hundreds or thousands of people for a few short hours of enjoyment.