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.
Opinion
Keep kids home for good of all
- Opinion
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Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.
Memorial Day officially
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Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
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USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.
Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
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Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.
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Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.
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Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
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Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.
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Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.
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Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.
Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.
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de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.
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Forever thankful




