I am writing this diary in order to seek clarity and a greater understanding of a developing H1N1 influenza situation for my family and community here in the greater Memphis area.
I fully appreciate that a good diary is usually much longer and includes links and blockquote's where appropriate. However, this subject is a bit different so I am also requesting a bit a leeway from the good folks here. Thanks!
Today, according to one of my high school aged children a fellow student came into class late and presented a note to the teacher. After several moments of discussion between the two the child became upset and said loudly that; yes, my brother has tested positive for swine flu, but I have tested as clean.
So, now I have several concerns. Does this make any sense to the readers here? My understanding of this influenza is that a person can be asymptomatic for several days before becoming ill and that one of the primary means of limiting the spread of H1N1 is isolation. Additionally, with the way this was handled there is now a huge issue within the student body and I am sure the administration.
Any illumination the good folks here can provide would be of great assistance. I am not completely ignorant of the basic principles of infectious disease management and treatment since I served in the Army for 15 years of which 1/2 of that time was after I had trained as a senior corpsman.
Thanks to all for your assistance for your assistance at keeping me informed and managing the effects of rumors, situation management and communication.