Close the schools!

By Ron Carrico

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

In the interest of the lives of our children it is now time to close the schools. We are seeing frightening stories of the infection and unfortunately we are also seeing stories that the immunizations are lagging behind. Far behind.

From the Center For Disease Control: "During the week of October 11-17, 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States ... Flu activity is now widespread in 46 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness are increasing steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to go up nation-wide and are above what is expected for this time of year."

This is an understated way to say things are not looking good very early in the flu season, which officially started Oct. 4. The problem is, we are not adequately prepared for the pandemic that is upon us.

From what I have read and seen on television, this flu is far more aggressive than past influenzas. And from my rough calculations of the number of deaths per infection, it seems we will at least double the number of terminal cases nationwide this year from about 30,000 to over 70,000.

Any parent or grandparent knows that colds and viruses spread like wildfire among kids and teachers who are in close contact many hours each day. This H1N1, swine flu virus is virulent and we are learning it can be deadly to young people.

In San Diego it is apparent that this virus is rapidly spreading in the schools and preschools. And unfortunately the amount of virus vaccine is lagging far behind. For the health and safety of our population in general and our children in particular, we should close the schools until we can completely sanitize them. Thereafter, we should not allow teachers or students to return until they have been vaccinated.

As of last weekend there were about 100,000 doses available, most of which have been used by now. But there must be a million or more children in the schools. How much would they lose from their educations if they missed a few days? How much could they lose if they are infected? Well, their lives for one thing. Overall, it is likely that less student/teacher/school days will be lost if we close the schools until we are properly prepared. Any days lost from school can be made up later in the year.

The local school boards making the decision should immediately act to close the schools until the vaccinations have been given to at least half the students, and wait five days or so to become effective. Meanwhile the school staffs should thoroughly clean and disinfect and set up opportunities for outdoor instruction when possible.

When hospitals are purchasing more additional respirators, the World Health Organization tells us this is a pandemic and Washington removes many hospitalization and health treatment requirements, it is time to realize this is an important issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

OK, school board members; do your duty and close the schools right now.