Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Oink!

You've probably been following the news about swine flu, which tapered off for a few days and now, at least in New York, is back full throttle. I'm not typically one to fret about big, newsy items. After all, I was here for 9/11 and although it was heartbreaking and terrifying, I didn't run for the hills. 

But Ack! As of today, 17 schools in NYC are closed because of swine flu concerns and the city seems to be the U.S. epicenter for the disease at the moment. A private boys' school in my neighborhood closed yesterday because 12% of the students had flu-like symptoms. My next door neighbor's five-year-old son attends school there (he's fine), and my younger daughter was scheduled to visit the school yesterday for a cooperative project. Okay, so yeah, that's a little unsettling. 

I did send my daughters to school today, but we had a long talk this morning about washing their hands frequently and using the many Purell dispensers set up throughout the school each time they pass one. 

I do still think that maybe the media is overreacting about this illness. But I'm watching it closely to see if summer vacation should come a little early for the Cebula family. 



7 comments:

Angie Ledbetter said...

I don't understand the media frenzy and panic button mode either. Look how many people die annually here of "regular" flu. 36,000??

Janna Leadbetter said...

Ditto what Angie said. It's the latest thing to worry about, so naturally they're going to wave it under our noses.

Best to your family!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

I agree w/Angie and Janna! It's amazing how they can turn a nothing story into the end of the world. BTW: I'll e-mail you re: NYC next week.;-)

WendyCinNYC said...

Angie and Janna--I'm not really that nervous, I just wish it would go away already!

Debbie--Yes! Email! I'd love to see you.

ChristaCarol Jones said...

I agree, the media has totally blown it out of proportion, especially when you compare it with the fatality rates of the regular flu. It's just how they due business. You could always take NAC (found at health places like GMC) if you were really worried, but you said you weren't nervous, and I understand. It's gotta be irritating and a big disruption, especially if they're closing down so many schools.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Wendy, I hadn't realized New York was considered the US epicenter, but that makes sense. And I understand how you feel -- the media is spotlighting your area (you more than mine ever was) and it's hard not to think about it, even if you don't change much of your everyday life.

It sounds like you've done what you can to prepare your girls and hopefully nothing else will come of it. Come on summer vacation!

Anonymous said...

Well parents will worry, they are parents after all. I hope that your little ones stay safe and healthy. Take care.