I don’t want to miss
I never missed school due to the flu when I was younger but I remember people who did. My own son CJ has missed many days of school due to a variety of illnesses including the flu, rsv, bronchitis, croup and pneumonia. As a child with Down Syndrome he seems to be very prone to certain illnesses, particularly anything that involves the respiratory system. He once missed school for almost two weeks because he had the flu. It was at that point the pediatrician suggested he get a flu shot, which the cardiologist agreed with. He has not had the flu since.
This year when we went in for out well visit, we were asked if we wanted TJ to have a flu shot as well. TJ is 13 and is in pretty good health. But, he’s getting to that age where he’s becoming very social. And it always seems like when one child has something all of the others get it too. He’s mentioned friends getting the flu and missing a week of school. I don’t want my son to miss a day of school, never mind a week! In middle school a week is a lot to miss because the learning pace is so much quicker than elementary school. And a week of no sports, socializing and friends might as well be an eternity for a teenager.
Many people think the flu is just a really bad cold. They couldn’t be more wrong. The flu (actually called influenza) is contagious. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, lethargy and stomach problems. On top of those symptoms there can be other complications resulting from the flu such as sinus problems, ear infections bacterial pneumonia and dehydration. The flu also has the capability if making existing medical conditions worse. For the first time ever, the CDC has expanded flu vaccination guidelines to include all children six months through 18 years old. Unfortunately, a new national survey shows that only 16% of parents with teens are aware of this new recommendation. I hadn’t been aware of the recommendation myself but am glad that my pediatrician was and mentioned it.
In order to help call attention to the new flu shot guidelines the Clorox Company has teamed up with Brook White, former American Idol finalist, and Dr. Harley Rotbart, infectious disease specialist and author of Germ Proof Your Kids, to bring you “I Don’t Want To Miss…”, a national contest and flu education program.
The “I Don’t Want To Miss…” campaign strives to educate teens about flu prevention and why it is important. The biggest part of the campaign is a PSA contest for teens. The first place winner of this contest will receive an acoustic concert at the winner’s school by former American Idol finalist Brooke White. The second place winner will receive a guitar autographed by Brooke White and three runners-up will win autographed photos.
To enter the campaign, teens should submit a short video of 45-60 seconds where they share what they don’t want to miss out on and what makes flu prevention important. The top five finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges, who will be looking for humor, creativity, what things the teen doesn’t want to miss and reasons why flu prevention is important. The first place winner will be chosen by an open vote on SchoolTube. Video entries must be submitted by March 11, 2009 and open voting to determine the winner will run from March 20 to April 10, 2009. For more contest information and to submit videos visit idontwanttomiss.com.
Thanks to Mom Central for letting me know about this campaign and contest.
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