Swine Flu has Summer Camps Scrambling

[Anonymous]

Swine flu has summer camps scrambling
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/education/stories/062309dnmetcampflu.3c3500c.html

Scrapes and bruises aren't all that kids are getting at summer camp this year.

Swine flu is spreading through dozens of camps across the country, forcing some to shut down, delay openings or treat campers with antiviral drugs. It's something they haven't had to deal with previously, as seasonal flu has usually subsided by this time of year.

"It's kind of a wake-up call to be aware of this," said Ann Sheets, past president of the American Camp Association. "The thing that is saddest to us is, there are kids who look forward to camp for the whole year, and then they don't get to go."

Swine flu, now officially known as novel H1N1 influenza, appears to be here for the summer and should last until the seasonal flu season begins in the fall, said Dr. Daniel Jernigan, deputy director of the influenza division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu cases are popping up at scouting, religious and other camps across the country, including in Texas, North Carolina, New York and Georgia.

(more at link)

[Anonymous]

NYS guidance for Summer Camps

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/docs/guidance_for_camps.pdf

[Anonymous]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/nyregion/29camp.html?hpw

Before Summer Camps Throw Open Doors, Girding for Swine Flu

[Anonymous]

And here I was feeling bad that I couldn't afford summer camp this year. I guess everything happens for a reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And here I was feeling bad that I couldn't afford summer camp this year. I guess everything happens for a reason.

LOL, that's the spirit!

We can't afford any camps either.

[Anonymous]

My ped says swine flu is everywhere in Mont CO. she says for the most part it has been milder than most strains of flu for most individuals. A reminder to put it all in perspective.

[Anonymous]

I think the issue is for kids who go away to sleep away camp for several weeks, and then an outbreak occurs. It's a big problem for camp directors, obviously. They just aren't used to dealing with flu, in the summer months. Sure, a kid here and there gets sick. (Except for food poisoning... I'm sure that happens.) But mostly I think they deal with injuries, bee stings.

http://www.slate.com/id/2222549