Concerned about H1N1

This year will prove to be a challenging year for schools. The first priority in my opinion is the health and safety of our children. The second priority is the quality education we have come to appreciate through the Hudson school system.

We know that H1N1 “swine flu” and MRSA are two very concerning illnesses due to the spread of germs and bacteria, and both are here in Hudson and nationwide. The professionals in healthcare expect this year to be an enormous challenge.

Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the Obama administration, has said, “Schools are like an incubator for viruses like H1N1.”

It is more important than ever to parents that we have confidence that the administration, teachers, athletic directors and custodians understand the infection control and prevention process. The most qualified person in the school is the school nurse, who has been properly trained in this area. They will be the MVP this year.

Recently Willow River Elementary sent home a school supply list for this year. In that list it asks for by name Clorox wipes. I’m sure this is an oversight as Clorox and Lysol wipes are commonly available and referred to.

Clorox wipes are not allowed to be used by children and it clearly states on the canister caution: keep out of reach of children. This is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The level of toxicity of these products is unacceptable to have within the reach of children of any age.

Hand-to-face contact is an average of 60 times in a 30-minute period. Even if the intention is only for the teachers to use and wipe down surfaces, one would wonder where the teacher will be locking all these up in the classroom.

There is an acceptable wipe product available, which is approved by the FDA for use by children and has the same level of killing 99.99 percent of germs. It is even recommended to be used by children in the classroom since kids are the major cross-contaminators of germs in the school.

This product is readily available in a variety of sizes from various sources.

Tags: opinion, letter, simmons