A response to H1N1 forum

While browsing for a good H1N1 information forum, I stumbled across this "useful" information.. Is this the best we can do??

This was the only post I found:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following to avoid the flu:

- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the crook of your arm
- Wash your hands! Wash your hands! Wash your hands!
- Stay at home if you are sick

You can stay informed by going to www.flu.gov or www.cdc.gov/h1n1

You can also keep an eye on our website for updated information as well!

Can you say DUH?? Here is my response:

Everyone should always cover their coughs and sneezes, wash their hands and stay at home when sick. Part of the problem we are facing with H1N1 is the fact that people are afraid to miss work or keep their kids home from school. The reason they are or have been less likely to stay home from work is due to being made to feel guilty by employers when they do. The reason parents have been reluctant in the past to keep their kids at home is due to the "no child left behind" guidelines that schools must maintain a high percentage of attendance to receive funding. When a child is sick they tend to only keep them home a day or 2, instead of 3-4 days. The schools make a huge issue of kids missing school for reasons stated above. It has made it difficult to control the flu from spreading so fast. I find it very frustrating when my child comes home and tells me that he is sitting in classrooms with kids coughing, sneezing and obviously ill. He has witnessed high school kids standing in line at lunch, coughing and not covering their mouths while passing by the bottle of hand sanitizer. It is every one's responsibility to protect themselves and others even if they are not sick. Using common sense and just plain good hygiene will help to keep us healthy. What really amazes me is when I go to the grocery store and see people grabbing a cart without wiping off the handle. I can only shake my head and wonder why they don't care about themselves or others.

I thought I would share this with you, if there is anyone even reading this blog besides me... ha ha.