Sailor Dad

Yesterday, we received a notice from my daughter’s school that there was a child who was diagnosed with Whooping Cough and that we should be cautioned about our daughter’s health. It featured the symptoms and guidance if we suspected that our daughter had come down with the illness. Today, as I was surfing the internet, I found a local news story with a bit more information.

From: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/17609283/detail.html?rss=dgo&psp=news

A 9-year-old student at Fletcher Hills Elementary School got sick, despite being immunized against the disease.

I was then relieved that since my daughter has no interaction with the student in question, she has a low probability of contracting the illness. The last thing I need in my house is a child with Whooping Cough.

In other news, about two weeks ago, I was exposed to someone who was diagnosed with Meningitis. Of course, while stationed on a Naval Destroyer, quarters are close and that gives the best reason for concern in regards to spreading a dangerous disease. Initially I was concerned primarily with the opportunity of spreading the illness to my wife and/or unborn child, but reassurance from a Kaiser nurse relieved my concern.

As for me and my family, I’ll be siding with the option of immunizations for my children, regardless of their effectiveness. As it has been said, “It is better to act cautiously beforehand than to suffer afterward.”