Keep kids home for good of all

Opinion

Related Photos

Discussion

October 26, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Tue Oct 27, 2009, 12:01 AM EDT

THE ISSUE:Children with flu-like symptoms.

OUR VIEW:Parents have a responsibility to this community to isolate a sick child from others.

Last month, we told you about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “FluView” – its weekly findings of influenza indicators across the U.S.

During the week of Oct. 11-17, the CDC found flu activity continued to increase across the U.S. According to the CDC:

• Thirty-seven percent of specimens tested – 4,855 in total – were positive for influenza.

• All influenza A viruses being reported to the CDC were H1N1 viruses.

• The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and flu was above the epidemic threshold.

• 11 flu-associated pediatric deaths were reported. Nine were associated with H1N1.

• The proportion of out-patient visits to doctors for flu-like illness was above the national baseline.

• 46 states, including Indiana, reported widespread flu activity.

Last week, the Howard County Health Department said it had received about 4,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Unless the county begins receiving 5,000 doses each week, vaccination clinics at Western schools, Kokomo High School and Indiana University Kokomo could be canceled.

School-age children are at a high risk for contracting the flu. So what’s a parent to do?

Ensure your family washes their hands often with soap and water. And implore them to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

And, above all, if a family member falls ill with flu-like symptoms, keep them at home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone.

No athletic event is too important. No job is so imperative.

As a parent, you have a responsibility to this community to isolate a sick child from others.

Flu season is no fun. But if we all use common sense, we’ll get through it with the least amount of pain possible.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.

Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.

February 9, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.

Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.

February 8, 2012
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.

February 8, 2012
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.

February 5, 2012
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’

The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:

“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.

February 3, 2012
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.

February 3, 2012
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.

Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.

February 2, 2012
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.

February 2, 2012
Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.

February 2, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Keep kids home for good of all

Site Map

Contact Us