“Mom, Liam* just threw up in class!” My child relayed this news with the same wide-eyed excitement usually reserved for video game releases. It must have been an impressive scene, but my heart went out to that poor kid. Vomiting is never pleasant, especially in front of peers.
“Really? That’s unfortunate!” I replied, trying to remain calm.
“Yeah! He coughed so hard he lost it! His sister’s home sick with the flu, so that’s likely what it was.”
At that moment, a wave of anxiety washed over me. I managed to keep my composure to wish Liam a speedy recovery while mentally preparing for the impending chaos. My instinct was soon validated; within hours, my child developed a fever.
In total, my little one was home for 11 days due to this flu. My partner had to take four unpaid days off work, and I barely saw our teenagers because we isolated everyone to minimize exposure. Thankfully, they escaped the illness, but here I was, suffering from swollen glands, relentless fatigue, and coughing fits that left me embarrassed — yes, it was so bad that I needed to keep maxi pads on hand.
And we were among the fortunate ones. We are otherwise healthy, so the flu didn’t hit us as hard as it could have.
In addition to the physical toll and lost income, we also spent several hundred dollars we could ill afford on doctor visits and medications, not for treatment but just to confirm it was indeed the flu and to obtain those necessary notes for school and work absences.
At the clinic, we learned that all of us tested positive for Flu A. The doctor informed us that last week there were over 800 cases in our small community, and this week had already recorded over 500. This town has a population of only about 1,900, meaning nearly 1,300 residents were affected.
It turns out that someone selfishly chose to attend a sporting event while sick, infecting an entire team and their families. Some then returned to school, spreading it further, while others went to work, unable to afford to take time off. A few decided to attend church, sharing their illness with everyone there.
Here’s a clear message: If you’re unwell, stay home.
I understand there are extenuating circumstances, but school, work, and social events are not emergencies.
If your child is ill and you feel you can’t take time off, I empathize. I’ve been there myself too many times. But ask yourself: Is it worth sending your sick child to school and risking the health of dozens of others, including families struggling just as much or worse than you?
This isn’t about minor sniffles; it’s about the flu — a virus that can be deadly for those with compromised immune systems. The CDC reported that last year’s vaccine for Flu A was only 43% effective. Sending someone infected into public spaces, whether it’s your child to school or you to work, is akin to allowing a child to bring a loaded weapon to class. It’s reckless and could endanger lives.
To tackle this widespread issue, we need to address three critical points:
- Reevaluate Attendance Policies at Schools: Current policies push parents to send sick kids to school. It’s a tough choice between risking your child’s health and their grades. Not every illness requires a doctor’s visit, and parental excuses should not count as truancy. We need common sense here.
- Job Security for Caregivers: Parents should be able to take care of sick children without fearing job loss. We need better employment standards, including fair wages and guaranteed paid sick leave. Nobody wants a flu-infected cook preparing their meal, right?
- Collective Responsibility: Individuals must understand the broader impact of their actions beyond their immediate family. I will fiercely protect my child, but it’s not just about us; it’s about the community. We all want to keep our kids healthy and safe, so let’s work together to reduce unnecessary suffering and costs associated with preventable illnesses.
I wouldn’t want your child to become sick, just as I wouldn’t allow my child to harm yours. I expect the same consideration in return. That’s not too much to ask.
*Names changed to protect privacy.
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Summary:
Keeping sick children at home is crucial to avoid spreading illness. We need to rethink school attendance policies, ensure job security for parents, and foster a sense of collective responsibility to protect our communities from preventable diseases.