A Close Volleyball friend recently advised me that her daughter contracted the swine flu virus. She is much better now but was advised by her Doctor that she must stay away from sports until October or risk going to the hospital if a stronger relapse occurs. This parent suggested that I do a piece to inform our volleyball community about the possible dangers lurking with the swine flu as this school year approaches. This topics has several issues to think about.
First and foremost the safety of all South Florida kids:
During my research of this topic I came across a Miami Herald article, dated August 5th, 2009:
South Florida schools say they're ready to carry out the new swine-flu-fighting recommendations issued Friday by federal health officials, including using school health clinics to give vaccinations by mid-October and allowing sick kids to return to school 24 hours after their fever has passed.
Federal health officials say the H1N1 flu continues to spread during warm summer weather, and is likely to spread even faster when schools open in the fall. But they recommended against closing schools, even with small numbers of swine flu cases, unless so many students or teachers are sick that they cannot function.
Schools open Aug. 24 in Miami-Dade and Broward.
For the Full Miami Herald Article Click Here.
Secondly it will be interesting to see how High School Coaches, Players and Parents will deal with the virus if it contracted by a player.
The young lady mentioned above is a very good player - playing for a very good program. If she is not able to return until October the season will practically be over. I know that for many competitive players and parents that could be a great dilemma. Obviously it is a decision that anyone who faces such a scenario must make on their own.
For me and the above family their is no dilemma - Shut the Kid Down until you get the Doctors O.K. One's life and health is paramount. Make sure you are in constant contact with the coach and have his or her support. If the kid is an elite player in her senior year then plan on putting her in a travel team during club season where most players get exposure to Colleges and Universities.
When will the Vaccine be Ready?
Florida's surgeon general says the state is preparing for massive swine flu immunizations, starting with schoolchildren, as the Obama administration urges states to prepare for the likelihood that the virus might worsen in the fall.
''We want to make sure we aren't promoting panic, but we are promoting vigilance and preparation,'' Obama said.
Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services, told the swine flu summit some H1N1 vaccine should be ready by mid-October.
Speaking with a Paramedic Friend it seems that first Responders will receive the vaccines first then children. November look like a realistic time to have a vaccine ready.
Part 2 will cover What precautions to take to help prevent the virus from infecting your child.
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