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Watch Dr. Kanner discuss this topic on Monday, May 4th @ 8:20am on San Diego 6 News In The Morning - The NEW CW -
Background: "Pandemic",
"death", "school closures" and more, have been terms and conditions
created by the identification of the Swine Flu virus over the past two
weeks. Evolving and spreading from Mexico, many fear that this "strain"
of virus is "The One", which will cause the deaths of thousands, if not
millions of people". A similar concept is that "The Big" California
earthquake is on its way to do similar damage. Such poignant
statements stem from both fear and a tendency to find events, actions,
and other phenomena to help "cope" with fears or concerns about other
life events. In other words, it can be a distraction. The facts about
this particular virus stated by the CDC is that: "Like seasonal flu,
swine flu can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until
January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S.
with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be
serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant
woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected
with the swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort
Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with
serious illness in several people and one death." The summary of this
is that, like any flu, the illness can range from mild to severe and in
rare cases, deaths can occur. Most of the cases that have been
reviewed in journals where individuals actually die from a flu was
because medical attention was not immediately sought when serious
symptoms were experienced, or medical intervention was not possible.
In the majority of viral cases, the virus makes it's mark, but because
of preventative measures, such as hand-washing, increased attention to
the symptoms and conditions, seeking medical attention immediately, and
the administration of our new anti-viral medications, the condition is
"controlled" for the most part. But, any "new" flu bug
, or illness is initially met with "normal" anxiety due to the novelty
of the condition and a lack of experience treating it. As a Nation
however, we are number one in medical health research and treatment so
we are in "the best hands" facing any new illness. In other words, we
have a great track record and that should give people confidence that
we will weather the swine.
Meanwhile, the effects of such news on both adults and children alike
have ranged from mild to severe fears and numerous precautions taken by
both health officials and schools. However, like any "new" condition,
the unknown and unfamiliarity with a new illness can create too much
anxiety that can make matters and taking reasonable precautions worse
than need be. This is not to underestimate the importance of educating
people about the "realities" of a health condition, and take important
steps to protect ourselves and children, but the key term is
"reasonable" and not to create hysteria.
The individuals who will be the most effected by all of this news, and
become "unresonable" are ones who may be going through difficult times
presently in their lives or have been battling personal, occupational,
or financial troubles for a long time. Here, such vulnerabilities can
lead to an "over-reaction" to a national medical alert such as this one
and such stress could even lead to illness if not managed.
How about children? Needless to say, I have yet to find a child who
has not heard of the swine. In fact, I asked my 8 year-old son
Christopher if he had heard about this "flu thing", and he gave me more
information that I had even known myself. "Dad, it's a virus that
started in pigs and got some kid in Mexico sick, really sick, and he
gave it to other people and somehow it moved from Mexico to here and
now we need to wash our hands for 20 seconds every time we go to the
bathroom, but very few people have died from this thing, so i think
it's gonna be okay. Don't worry dad." So there you have it! My kid is
calmer than me about this flu and is actually telling me not to worry.
But, I am the parent here and worrying is both my job and what I do
best! This is "my son" we are talking about! I have to protect him!
So, parents, here is where that statement you have heard a million
times "calm yourself down before you talk to your kids". Bingo!
Before I did my own research on the swine, I was anxious too. So, I
sought reliable information and made the determination that we need to
be on alert, make our kids wash their hands, tell them not to let
anyone cough on them and return the favor, don't share food or drink
for the time being, drink plenty of fluids, stay on your routine, and
let our top medical professionals in the world do their job in
protecting and treating our health needs, and try to be a good role
model to our children about how to manage stressful situations like the
swine flu.
Key Points:
1. It's just a virus-not a NEW one
2. We have the best medical professionals in the world working on this
3. Take reasonable precautions and make your kids do the same
4. Do NOT freek out!
5. Educate yourself with reliable sources, not the National Enquirer
6. Get HELP if you or your child get sick!
6. Please set a "Mature" example for your kids on how to handle stress
Dr. Keith Kanner/ Morning Show HostYour Family Matters
San Diego 6 News In The Morning
San Diego Living Show
2008 Winner: IMedia Parenting Award for Television - Disney, Inc.
2009 Winner: Man Of The Year In Medicine & Healthcare - ABA
Host/Extra Life Changers - EXTRA TV
XETV l Bay City Television, Inc.
8253 Ronson Road, San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 261-2346
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About drkanner
Dr. Kanner is a Licensed Clinical Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychologist and Psychoanalyst with a full time private practice in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at U.C. San Diego and a Clinical Instructor and Supervisor at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Recently, he has become the Director of Clinical Counseling for La Jolla Country Day School and has been named to the National Board of Directors for KidsKorps, USA. He continues as a Consultant for many public and private schools in San Diego and has also received distinguished teaching awards over the past seven years. He is a published author and a sought after speaker on topics pertaining to childhood, adolescence, and parenthood. He is also presently writing a book for Fox based on his show, Your Family Matters.
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