News says keep 0 to 4 year olds at home

I don't know really and I may hold an opinion which may differ to yours as I do not have kids of my own. My initial response would be keep them at home though because the swine flu does seem to be targeting younger children for some reason.

hi,i agree with you.it is danger for the young people as the h1n1 is very serious !

I understand your situation, here in Puerto Rico swine flu has exploded this month with many deaths, and people here are starting to panic and as you say we are close to return to school I have a 2 years old son and he are not going any where but our home that has enough space to run and play. We've made some changes because this here in my country is just starting and hundreds are confirmed infected with H1N1 virus daily, I recommend you to make a private party at home and find as many activities for your children at home. Don't take any risk!

I do think that, amidst the swine flu scare, schools should have been more cautious and closed for a little while. Some of them did, but usually it was after they had already discovered that someone in their school had it. Schools really are breeding grounds for childhood illnesses. (Sounds crazy, but it's true) And, as far as your little ones, I would just side with caution and reschedule the doctors appointment. And, where the party is concerned, have you spoke to the authorities/adults in charge of throwing these activities for the children. They may be hearing concerns from many parents and, therefore, decide to reschedule.

my three years old nephew have attend the kindergarden two years now.he fear to talk to or dance when there are any unknow adults showing up. he have his own opinion about this because there are some strangers.. maybe we can took him home and care him ourselves but we have daytime works to handle..

I would not take my toddler out, but I have reasons other than swine flu. I have a cousin that was diagnosed with cancer at 18 months and while she was going through Chemo and radiation we could not see her because we might bring in a germ. To add to that recently I have had 2 different family members have a baby. One child does not get to go to town he stays at home with a famly member when his mom does the shopping. The other baby was taken into wal mart on her way home from the hospital, and is never left at home, was even sent to day care. Both children are less than 18 months old and are 3 months apart. The baby that stays at home and only travels to visit family has only been sick once. The other baby is sick all of the time. I know that some babies are just healthy and some are prone to getting sick but I have to belive that the environment has a lot to do with it also. If your oldest child will change clothes or even take a shower after he gets home from school it should protect the younger children. Also wash their hands for them often and insist that the children in the play groups wash their hands too. It is such an easy prevention and could save a life. I am teaching in the fall and my sister is a RN, she has given me the advice of washing hands and showering and changing when I get home to prevent the spread of any coodies I might bring home.

Hi Maxine, I imagine the school doesn´t close or stay open by itself but they do it because a health bureau of some kind said it. At least that´s the way it is in my country. And probably they have chosen the age groups that have more need to be away from the flu. I have heard that the flu is specially dangerous for very small children and elderly people. If I were you, I wouldn´t take Leo to the party at his playgroup unless you can call every mother and ask if their children are healthy. Anyway, it seems you have a difficult week. Hug