Sally Furniss
Well-known member
Mums wage war against the flu
By KATE GUDSELL - The Timaru Herald
Last updated 05:00 19/06/2009
NATASHA MARTIN/ The Timaru Herald
SWINE OF THE TIMES: Bernadette East and Vicki McKenzie package up some mother's love in a twist on the old-fashioned care package.
Goodbye "Red Cross" packages, hello pandemic packages.
In a new twist to the age-old habit of mothers sending packages of goodies to their children living away from home, two diligent Timaru mothers have put together a pandemic package for their children's student flats. Unfortunately for the students, mothers' love will not cure the damp and the cold.
It started as a conversation between Bidwill Hospital director of nursing Bernadette East and infection control nurse Vicki McKenzie.
The pair, who together have three children flatting, were discussing their concerns about the spread of swine flu in student flats when they decided to put together pandemic packages to send to them.
"If your children are sick, you feel so helpless. Their flats are cold and they have got no money and that was my biggest worry. I know even if they go to the doctor they wouldn't be able to pay for the Tamiflu," said Mrs McKenzie.
The young are particularly susceptible to the swine strain, and cold, damp flats could prove to be more than havens for students.
The pack consists of gloves, masks, aprons, a thermometer, tissues, hand sanitiser, water and Paracetamol, along with flu advice.
They will also be sending packs of tinned and non-perishable food to sustain the students if swine flu strikes.
The pair recommended that people take heed of the warnings, checking the Health Ministry for the daily updates and calling the helpline (0800611116) if needed.
They advised that the usual symptoms of flu fever, temperatures above 38 degrees celsius, aches and pains, sore throat, dry cough, and trouble breathing could also be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea.
The packages can be put together using supplies from pharmacies, supermarkets and safety equipment suppliers.
Hand hygiene is the key to avoiding swine flu. Thorough washing for 15 seconds and drying your hands properly was vital, Mrs McKenzie said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2515634/Mums-wage-war-against-the-flu
By KATE GUDSELL - The Timaru Herald
Last updated 05:00 19/06/2009
NATASHA MARTIN/ The Timaru Herald
SWINE OF THE TIMES: Bernadette East and Vicki McKenzie package up some mother's love in a twist on the old-fashioned care package.
Goodbye "Red Cross" packages, hello pandemic packages.
In a new twist to the age-old habit of mothers sending packages of goodies to their children living away from home, two diligent Timaru mothers have put together a pandemic package for their children's student flats. Unfortunately for the students, mothers' love will not cure the damp and the cold.
It started as a conversation between Bidwill Hospital director of nursing Bernadette East and infection control nurse Vicki McKenzie.
The pair, who together have three children flatting, were discussing their concerns about the spread of swine flu in student flats when they decided to put together pandemic packages to send to them.
"If your children are sick, you feel so helpless. Their flats are cold and they have got no money and that was my biggest worry. I know even if they go to the doctor they wouldn't be able to pay for the Tamiflu," said Mrs McKenzie.
The young are particularly susceptible to the swine strain, and cold, damp flats could prove to be more than havens for students.
The pack consists of gloves, masks, aprons, a thermometer, tissues, hand sanitiser, water and Paracetamol, along with flu advice.
They will also be sending packs of tinned and non-perishable food to sustain the students if swine flu strikes.
The pair recommended that people take heed of the warnings, checking the Health Ministry for the daily updates and calling the helpline (0800611116) if needed.
They advised that the usual symptoms of flu fever, temperatures above 38 degrees celsius, aches and pains, sore throat, dry cough, and trouble breathing could also be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhoea.
The packages can be put together using supplies from pharmacies, supermarkets and safety equipment suppliers.
Hand hygiene is the key to avoiding swine flu. Thorough washing for 15 seconds and drying your hands properly was vital, Mrs McKenzie said.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/swine-flu/2515634/Mums-wage-war-against-the-flu