Washing hands is probably the one thing we all can do that will reduce the spread of this -- and this next bit is important -- or ANY OTHER virus. It's probably much more effective than a face mask, but there's no reason to prevent someone from wearing one if they (or their parents) feel better about it.
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Brewernut, the consensus is growing that the cases outside of Mexico are simply not as lethal, but the reason is not yet known, and since epidemics often come in waves letting our guard down is just dumb. The school district is preparing with prudent caution for something that may never come. Well, they also prepare for tornadoes, fires, and when I was a kid, nuclear blasts. The word is "prepare".

Damit I wish the media would call this flu by its right name.I am a pork raiser and it has killed us farmers.This will pass.More people die of the normal flue than this so called one.

Children and the elderly are the people most negatively affected by this strain of flu. Yes, people die from the yearly flu, but identifying a particular "potentially deadly" strain is what this is about. While the majority of the population may have mild symptoms or symptoms that do not require medical intervention, there is a significant group of people for which this particular strain could be life threatening.

I appreciate (even if this seems like an over-reaction) the attention this has drawn.
Even one small child, or one person's grandmother dying from this unique strain, is worth the attempt to inform and avoid.

keithrg13: "In 1976, while I was still in the Army, we were marched to the clinic to have a vaccination for that Swine Flu under threat of court marshal. My Army roommate almost died from the shot. More people died from the shot than from the flu."

I was in the Army at the same time and remember all too well being forced to have that swine flu shot. Not many of us got ill from it, but a few were sick from the shot for a few days. Still, looking back on it, it sure seemed like a big waste of time and money for a flu that turned out to be nothing worse than the regular flu.

fear mongers. people wearing useless masks. boy are the mfg's of those paper masks making a killing. what will our next CRISIS be? jello that turns to glue in our stomachs!

The schools are wondering what will happen if they have to close. They should be concentrating on better hygiene now before there are cases in our area. The kids are on strict deadlines to get from one class to the next-the schools don't have them wash their hands before or after they eat lunch. How about a little prevention before someone gets sick?

EXACTLY tobeheard ;)

For crying out loud, people are in a panic over something that yes, we should be cautious about, but having kids with face masks at school--come on! Does anyone realize that in the United States, 36,000 people die annually due to a regular flu season. Err on the side of caution, but not hysteria! Makes me wonder what's really going on in our government that they're trying to distract us from. . .

Don't know just how deadly it is, but I won't be attending any huge gatherings like summerfest or state fairs, that's for sure.

"Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands." Wash your hands? Perhaps we should get duct tape too!
With all due respect to the medical and bureauctratic pontificators, as I recall, from my ambulance work days, one should not stick their hands or fingers in their eyes (very vulnerable place for infection transfer).
Might I point out to all the pundits here that more people will die in America tomorrow on bicycles than of any flu.
In 1976, while I was still in the Army, we were marched to the clinic to have a vaccination for that Swine Flu under threat of court marshal. My Army roommate almost died from the shot. More people died from the shot than from the flu.
So...I know I am a bad person for asking this question but....what in the hell is wrong with everyone that is in any kind of authority position here now on this particular flu case?
Bob Keith
cooldadiomedia.com

Mat should be more concerned about preventing further noro outbreaks in the schools. That is something that happens every winter and no one does anything about it...

My apologies I goofed "Warm". I'm sorry my last post should have been addressed to Woodsman. Again I'm sorry I let my frustration getting me to type to fast. Woodsman was the one who suggested teachers didn't care for their kids. I stand by my post, just goofed on the name. SORRY!!!

Warm, where do you get that the teachers want sick kids or teachers in school? This is totally a district or Rock County Health Department call. A few years ago, a guy I coached with had to be quarantined with the Whooping Cough exposure (he never had it just exposed), 7 days out of school by Rock County (or state) order. We always look out for the health of kids first. Shame on you for suggesting otherwise.
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Teachers have no say in this, if, THATS A HUGE IF, we have to close, I'd hope my students make up the time as we had lots to learn. But again, that is the districts call with building and summer school concerns.
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Why is the JEA in the talks? Because any change of the calendar etc they have to be involved.
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It is the DISTRICT, Rock Co, or State's call!!!

I wonder if you can get the H1N1, formerly known as swine, flu by sharing heroin needles?

Unfortunately Mat Haeger has about as much information as the common person. His letter was filled with false information. Too bad most parents wont question him. This is easily spread but almost everyone who is getting it is not getting that sick. See your doctor and get some tamiflu or relenza and if you have no other medical problems you should do just fine... Masks are BS and the only masks that work per the CDC are N-95 respirators that must be fit test... so you might as well wear a ski mask over your face, it will do as good...

How would the teachers make up their hours OR kids make up their time! (WHO REALLY GIVES A CRAP!) ALL about the money,ALWAYS,not that someone "COULD" DIE from this that should be foremost in everyone's minds. I thought you teachers were suppose to care so much about these kids(why you do what you do)first thing out of your mouths are,MONEY,should be the welfare of everyone of the children,don't you think???

Let's just start summer vacation now and forget about make up days....ya, right! like that will ever happen.