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Hi Nofluforme

I agree with you that hand washing can prevent so manys disease and viruses like the flu. Also sanitizing shopping carts etc is a great idea. And yes, with 35,000 Americans dying every year from regular flu, as well as 200,000 ending up in hospital, there is no need to panic (at least yet!) over H1N1. I do think we need to be vigilant but the national panic isn't going to help.

We must bear in mind, however, that children are especially vulnerable to H1N1 and are at the highest risk of death. Because they cannot make sure they are washing their hands or covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing (especially very young kids) we parents need to make sure we monitor this and KEEP OUR SICK KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL AND DAYCARE! We are not only risking our kids health but those they go to school with. And those other kids may have newborn siblings at home or pregnant Moms - it's indeed selfish, as you say.

I understand parents need to work and can't take time off work anytime they please, but part of parenting is finding a way - any way - to keep their kids home and safe when sick, allowing their kids to recover in comfort and not risking the health of others.

Thanks for sharing your opinions - you make some valid points!