Preschools Riding Out Another Week of H1N1 Concerns

By Chris Earl, Anchor/Reporter

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By Chris Earl

Story Created: Oct 21, 2009 at 3:39 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 21, 2009 at 4:15 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Many parents are very anxious over H1N1 concerns but for children three or four years old -- no worries, just more washing at this Five Seasons Learning Center in Cedar Rapids.

"We've had parents coming in to ask if we've had illness in the room - which we haven't," said Sharon Varo, the director of the pre-school near Arthur Elementary.

This comes as so many schools - from pre-schools to high schools -- deal with sneezes, coughs and absences they tell us are higher than normal. Absences in specific classes can range from 25% to 33% or even higher.

Dr. Mark Goedken works at Family Practice in downtown Cedar Rapids. He says the information is out there but people need to educate themselves on H1N1.

"The lack of information is driving some of the hysteria that people are having," said Dr. Goedken. He pointed to websites, like cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control), the Public Health Department, newspapers and magazines.

It's a constant theme from doctors as the battle against H1N1 continues into another week. Wash those hands. Especially for children this age as they touch everything. Mouth. Nose. Ears. Themselves and each other.

"Daycares have kids sharing toys all the time," said Dr. Goedken You may be shedding a virus before the symptoms even show up."

"They'll wipe their nose and want you to take the Kleenex," said Varo, holding a 3-year-old on her knee as she spoke with us.

Now the question is how many more weeks H1N1 will linger -- even past the usual autumn cold snap.

"It doesn't mind the warmer, moist air," said Dr. Goedken. "The illnesses usually don't like that." He told us this wave of H1N1 could last up to two years.

"Will the second wave hit in January?" asked Varo with a laugh.

Yet Dr. Goedken also offers this parting advice for all people -- in a way even a three-year-old can understand.

"Wash long enough for singing 'Happy Birthday' one time through."

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