“Mom, you won’t believe what happened in class today!” My little one bursts in, eyes wide with excitement usually saved for the latest gaming craze. “Alex threw up!” I can only imagine the spectacle, but my heart goes out to Alex. Throwing up is tough, and doing it in front of a classroom full of friends? Ouch.
“Really? That’s rough!” I respond, trying to mask the rising anxiety within me.
“Yeah! He coughed so hard he lost it! His sister is sick at home with the flu, so that’s probably it.”
In that moment, my blood runs cold, and a wave of frustration washes over me. I manage to say I hope Alex feels better soon while shooing my child off to tackle their nightly homework — or rather, the dance of avoidance. But deep down, I know the inevitable is approaching, and my left eye begins to twitch.
Fast forward a few hours, and my instincts are confirmed: Spawn is burning up with fever.
In total, my child ended up home for 11 days, battling this flu. My partner had to take four unpaid days off work. I hardly saw my teens because we quarantined everyone to reduce the risk of spreading it. Thankfully, they dodged the bug, but I, on the other hand, am currently wrestling with swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and an exhaustion that coffee can’t shake off. My cough? Let’s just say it’s so severe it requires maxi pads. Yes, you read that right.
And we’re among the lucky ones. We’re generally healthy, so it didn’t hit us as hard as it could have.
Beyond the physical toll and the unpaid time off, we shelled out hundreds of dollars we didn’t have for doctor’s visits and medications. All we got was confirmation of the flu and those all-important doctor’s notes we need for absences.
Interestingly, we learned at the clinic that we tested positive for Flu A, and our doctor mentioned that over 800 cases were reported in our area last week — and over 500 already this week. In a town of about 1,900, that’s a staggering number. Turns out, someone didn’t want to miss their favorite game, spreading the flu like it was confetti. They infected their team, who then passed it on to their families. Some of those folks returned to school, and others went to work, sharing the joy of the flu with colleagues. It spiraled from there.
Let me be clear: If you or your child are sick, stay the heck home. I understand there are extenuating circumstances, but school, work, and sports are not emergencies.
If you’re feeling pressured to go to work while your child is sick, I get it. I’ve been there countless times. But please, take a good look at your sick kid. Now imagine a dozen more families suffering because you decided to send them to school with the flu. This isn’t just a runny nose. We’re talking about the flu — a virus that can be deadly for those who are vulnerable.
The CDC has indicated that this year’s Flu A vaccine is only 43% effective. So sending a sick child to school or going to work yourself is akin to handing a kindergartener a loaded weapon. It’s reckless and could endanger others. You’re gambling with the health of innocent babies just like yours.
To tackle this widespread issue, we need to address three key areas:
- Revisit School Attendance Policies: These rigid rules only push more parents to send sick kids to school. It’s a tough choice between attendance and being a responsible parent. Not every illness warrants a doctor’s visit, and being sick shouldn’t equate to truancy.
- Job Security for Sick Days: People should be able to care for their sick children or themselves without worrying about losing their jobs. We need better employment standards, including decent wages and built-in paid sick leave. Would you want the chef preparing your meal to come in with the flu?
- Community Awareness: We need to care about the well-being of others outside our own homes. Don’t just defend your child while unintentionally putting others at risk due to negligence. For my kid, you become a threat, and I will protect my child’s health fiercely. But this is bigger than just you and me; it’s about all of us working together for the greater good.
I don’t want your kids to fall ill any more than I want my child to. I would never knowingly let my child harm yours, and I expect the same consideration in return. Is that really too much to ask?
Names changed to protect the innocent.
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Summary
In summary, it’s crucial to keep sick kids home to prevent spreading illness. This article emphasizes the importance of responsible parenting, workplace policies that support sick days, and community awareness about health risks. We all share the responsibility of protecting each other’s well-being.