The Swine Flu

I think by now, if you watch television, browse the internet, or even listen the radio in the car, everyone has heard of the Swine Flu. And it's spreading rapidly.

At Rachel's Kindergarten physical this morning, I talked to our Pediatrician about it. I'm going to be honest, I was a little baffled at why the urgency. Dr Berry explained that every year, here in the United States, 35,000 people die from the flu, or complications from the flu. That flu is typically a strain from a bird. What makes the Swine Flu so 'urgent', is because it is a hybrid strain. It's one third human, one third bird, one third swine (pig). There is the unknown as to what course it will run exactly.

I asked about hand sanitizer and he said when you don't have access to washing your hands with good old fashioned soap and water, then yes, use it. Use it all day long. Use it when out in public (the counters of the medical clinic were well stalked with it). And take the 'normal' precautions for guarding against any sickness - not touching your hands to your mouth, eyes, and nose. Not using the hand rails up and down stairs. And using your non-dominant hand to open doors. And covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze (why you need to be told to do this is beyond me!).

Since Hannah is at school all day long, in a portable classroom with no sink, I loaded her up with wipes and hand sanitizer and I was flat out honest with her that people are getting really sick from an illness going around and that she needed to be using the hand sanitizer throughout the day. I even packed a special one in a sandwich baggie and put it inside her lunch box to use just prior to eating. I also told Hannah that she is not to drink from a drinking fountain. I hate drinking fountains in general because of the germs, but now it's even more so. I've got her water bottles filled and ready to toss into her backpack in the mornings, she just has to remind me to do it. When I was at the Dollar Tree on Tuesday, I picked up extra bottles of sanitizer to send to the classroom as well, I'm just waiting to hear back from her teacher as to whether or not she'll use them.

Today, a letter came home from the Principal letting the parents know that they were taking the steps to ensure our school's health and following the recommendations of the County Health Department.

It's on everyone's mind. We're hearing about it every time we turn around, but you know, this outbreak comes as no surprise to the Lord...

"There will be great earthquakes and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be fearful events and awful signs from heaven."
Luke 21:11
All we can do is follow the precautions and pray that the Lord keeps His hand about us and our health.