Why Swine Flu Parties are a Bad Idea

Swine Flu parties are potentially deadly

Recently, some parents have decided to throw Swine Flu parties, where children infected with the H1N1 virus are invited in the hope that other children will catch the virus. The idea stems from chicken pox parties, where parents would try to get their children to catch chicken pox. By getting the virus in childhood, you are given immunity, which is important, because in the case of chicken pox, the virus is far more serious in adulthood.

However, in the case of swine flu, medical experts agree that it is a bad idea. Although the mortality rate is fairly low and the virus is somewhat mild in its current form, it is potentially deadly and could cause severe illness.

Parents justify the idea by thinking that the virus could morph into something far more deadly in the future and getting exposure to the current mild version would make it less likely that their children would contract a more deadly version in the future.

However, it is like a game of Russian Roulette, because even though the odds are low, some children do die from swine flu, and some are bound to die from the swine flu parties.  In addition, those studying the H1N1 virus havent found evidence that the virus is morphing much, so the fears may be unfounded.

By throwing a Swine Flu party, essentially what you are doing is taking a risk with your childs health now to avoid a theoretical risk in the future. This is why medical experts strongly advise against this idea.

If you are considering throwing a Swine Flu party or sending your child to one in the hope that he or she will contract Swine Flu, you should refrain from doing so due to the high risk of death or serious illness. Dont play Russian Roulette with your childs life.