As the news of the swine flu broke, I was in London for the marathon. I started to spend some time watching the BBC, Sky and CNN reports on Monday before I flew back. One of my friends, Becka, was going with her fiance to Mexico–the trip was eventually canceled. I watched, as you have, medical professionals from WHO (World Health Organization) telling people that the flu can not be contained, because it has spread to disparate parts of the world.
So, will the Swine Flu pandemic force us to cancel lots of track meets and road races. This writer is suggesting caution, but sanity in dealing with the possible pandemic. Above all else-strong sanitary habits make sense!
Photo by Lisa Congilio/Photorun.net.
Upon my return to the U.S. on Tuesday night, I began to watch CNN and Anderson Cooper’s 24/7 homage to the Swine Flu. Then, President Obama got into the act, I believe, acted very thoughtfully and did not up the ante. The Presidents’ job is to show that the US government has all under control and will offer suggestions to alleviate the panic.
What we know: The so called Swine Flu has caused deaths in Mexico, US, and several other countries. There are two possible young people sick in Milwaukee, WI, near my home, with the Swine Flu. Last night, there were twenty-one states with identified Swine flu patients.
Doctors are telling us to : a) wash your hands several times a day, b) put your hand in front of your mouth if you cough, then wash or sanitize, c) drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, d) eat and sleep sensibly, e) if you get a fever, high grade, for two days or more ( 102-103), suffer from sore muscles, low energy, get to the doctor.
For coaches, I would suggest the same. Also , be wary of athletes who are sick and make sure they are checked. We have heard of one major track meet being canceled due to Swine flu. Canceling meets is up to your team, but I would suggest getting the qualified assistance of a local doctor you trust and also keep in touch with your athletic director.
I am linking to the NPR website, which has been quite sensible about this newest outbreak (there was a different swine flu in the U.S. in 1976): http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/index.html?sc=nl&cc=progserv-20090501.
Upgrading your sanitary habits is always a good thing. High school athletes, especially the male gender, are not known for such things, so it is good for coaches, trainers, parents, girlfriends to remind the male animal to wash. Not making a joke, but after coaching guys for a dozen years, nothing surprised me after that experience.
Best resource is www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
