Thai Schools Handling Of Flu And Cold Symtpoms

[cup-O-coffee]

Am I missing out on some vital information, or is Thailand really that apathetic and uncaring about the health of children in public schools?

We began sending our 2 year old son to a local school and prior to that he was in good health and all up to date on his vaccinations. Less than one week after attending he began to experience symptoms of sinus congestion and phlegm and mucus draining into his respiratory tract, hence bringing on a constant cough. It has now been about three months since this began and finally I took him out for two weeks during the new years holiday. He is fully recovered and today we sent him back at the behest of my wife. My guilt has my stomach in knots. To see him in this condition brings out the beast in me because I know he is getting sick from the Thai cultural hygiene practices or lack thereof..

Soon after his return he began experiencing the same symptoms but now with a low grade fever. We took him to three doctors since then and we got the same answer from all three: "This is the way it is for young children who attend schools. They will suffer these symptoms for the first two or three years and then it will pass". Event he director at the school where he attends said the same.

So, is this the norm? I am very upset that there are absolutely no preventative measures against this being instituted in the schools. Everyone here Every Thai here seems to accept it as the norm. Am I wrong to feel that subjecting my son to this for another two or three years is a mild form of abuse?

I tried searching online for any information about the health of school children in Thai schools. To make a long story short, Thailand virtually has no information or "go to" website that allows concerned parents to obtain information or file complaints about issues involving the health and well-being of their children.

I am beginning to be convinced that the Thais who take on the responsibility for educating and providing a safe and healthy environment for our children are the lowest of the low and miscreants; because to me this is a crime. It is a crime to allow sick children to mingle with healthy children in schools in developed countries. The parents are called or the child goes to the nurses office and remains there until the parent comes to collect them. It is a crime to knowingly subject small children to this form of infection and to not take any preventative measures whatsoever.

The doctors, Director, and teachers simply smiled at me and gave me a "My hands are tied" look and all said this is the way it is here in Thailand. They certainly don't have a problem taking the money we pay them to say these things, but as far as taking the lead... *poof*. Nothing.

Anyone experienced similar issues, and what was your solution? I am open to anything. I just want my son healthy and happy in a manner that is not unreasonable to those providing the educational environment.

Edited January 7, 2013 by cup-O-coffee

[benalibina]

Reading your topic........i am thinking back when my kids were between 2 and 5 went they went to school. They too regularly had symptoms as you describe in your topic. Never ever did i relate it to hygienic schoolconditions nor did my wife. This is the very 1st time i have heard/read about it. Makes sense enough though.

[bina]

first few years at school kids get sick more because they are exposed to new viruses and bacterias that are not the same as those in the house. apart from handwashing and drinking from separate cups, there is nothing to be done. kids in other countries dont get sick in the first months of school? here the kids that dont socialize much get sick, the kids like ours (on kibbutz so always together) for the most part dont, expcept for more sensitive or allergic children. there is no vaccine for common colds and most influenzas, only one flu shot and some countries only give to immune deficient kids... teh reason why kids get sick more int he beginning is because they are under stress in the beginning and also exposed to various different viruses than those they have been exposed to so they do tend to get sick more.

and just like there, here to, kids with colds come to class. otherwise how would parents make work to make money to feed their kids?

maybe he's allergic to something in the classroom, a tree or flowers near by?

[I Like Thai]

Children are supposed to play together and pass on bacteria, this strengthens the childs immune system. keeping your child away from other children weakens your childs immune system. Constantly getting vaccinations and taking tablets for everything weakens your childs immune system. Children with weak immune systems grow into adults with weak immune systems. Ever notice how weakly and prone to infection teenagers and younger adults are. it's the West that has it wrong with medecine trying to beat nature, but it never will.

[Boo]

The only time my 6 yo doesn't have a snotty nose or some other sympton of a cold is during school holidays. Within a few days of a new term they are all sniffling, this is part of being a kid, they are in close quarters, so catch things off each other.