Posted by tyan (Singapore, Singapore) on 23 April 2008 in Miscellaneous.
Today's cover page headlines--HFMD cases has further escalated,resulting in 2 preschools and 5 childcare centres being ordered to close down by the Ministry of Health.
So I wasn't imagining when i thought there were more children hanging out at the malls in the mornings.
I brought Caleb to school today,which explains why i have the time to blog about this.There were actually 1,245 hfmd cases in the past week,so i saw on the TV mobile on our way to school. I saw that the teachers at the kindy are now more careful in their checking,not only temperatures of the children,but also their hands and mouth for blisters,which is good.
A mother of Caleb's classmate,whom I chat with quite often knew that i have not been sending Caleb to school for many days because of the HFMD scare,she said to me this morning that we cannot possibly keep the kids at home 'forever',it might well be a matter of time that the kids will be infected. Initially, i felt mildly embarrassed, perhaps i have really been quite paranoid about this whole thing and that i was making a mountain out of a molehill. But given a choice again,I will still keep my kids at home,as long as it takes,and perhaps until the peak season dies down. It is perhaps just a 'defence mechanism' i have developed over the time that i started taking care of the 2 on my own. If one had tried taking care of 2 young and sick kids without any help,and trying to manage the household and some part time work,maybe then she will begin to understand my fears and reservations that appears as neurotic paranoia to others.
I bet her kids didn't get HFMD before? Being infected doesn't mean they'll have the immunity. It's sheer torture for both the kid(s) and the mom, esp when you are the primary caregiver. We're still keeping Robyn at home and hopefully, my MIL doesn't bring her to SIL's place cos I dun know if the oldest kid is still going to the childcare. My sis's younger son just got the HFMD, but apparently very mild cos he doesn't have fever. This got me thinking -- would it be possible for the GPs to misdiagnose (maybe it was just rashes and not blisters) and this has resulted in the many cases being reported?
23 Apr 2008 12:37am
Hey Ty....I say one can never be too careful when it comes to contagious diseases. As long as you felt comfotable keeping them home i say don't worry about what others say. :)
23 Apr 2008 1:46am
Hi There! Sorry I am just catching up on your posts today after I got back. I know what you mean and be assured that a mother knows what's best for her own kids and lifestyle so don't worry if anyone says you are paranoid. They probably don't know it's a one-woman show you have to execute everyday. Having said that, please take good care of yourself as well because the kids need you most. I do hope everything else is alright and the kids are bright and cheery as ever :) My thoughts are with you!
23 Apr 2008 2:23am
Dear Tyan, you're getting the supportive comments you need right now, so count me as one more! Try not to worry about what others think when it comes to your children - hard as that may be. Love them completely and teach them what you can - "Kindy" can wait! Hugs, Judy
23 Apr 2008 5:16am
I guess utlimately u gotta pray... even if the kids do get it *fingers crossed* God will surely give u and the kids strength to counter the virus. But of course, pray don't get it... :p But I guess you're right.. Prudence and caution go a long way... If do all that you can to prevent it and the kids still get it, it's surely God's will.. In the mean time, do what u can do and pray what you can't... :) You and your family are in my prayers! God Bless!
23 Apr 2008 5:49am
Hfmd certainly is fast spreading. I would have definately done the same as you Tyan, it's ok people making comments to you about keeping Caleb off from Kindy but it is you who would have to look after them when they are sick after all. So keep doing what your doing, your doing a brilliant job :)
23 Apr 2008 8:46am
Wow, that's really scary. :( I would definitely keep my child at home. Keep confidence in your choices! :)
23 Apr 2008 8:54am
certain I had the same as you
23 Apr 2008 11:10am
An earlier post by me was made in ignorance. I admit to no knowledge of a childhood illness known as HFMD, so I spoke too quickly. It is apparently pretty serious, and if you as the mom believe it is best to keep your Caleb home from school, I say you know what is needed in the face of this epidemic and fully support this chosen course of action.
23 Apr 2008 9:53pm
yeah, keeping your kids safe is a nice thing.
23 Apr 2008 11:56pm
Hey I think u r v capable in taking care of yr children n managing a household w/o any help! Still can find time to tutor somemore. Definitely not easy! u shld give yrself a pat in the back! :)
24 Apr 2008 4:18pm
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