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Swine Flu Parties Unsafe: Doc

Exposing kids to virus is a bad idea, pediatrician says

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 28, 2009 4:24 PM CDT

(Newser) – Parents who are throwing “swine flu parties” to get kids together in hopes of exposing them to the virus now, while it is in a weaker form, are on the wrong track, says a prominent pediatrician. Responding to a question from a US News and World Report reader, Thomas Sandora says the DIY immunizing technique is definitely not a good idea: "Swine flu parties are a dangerous gamble and a big mistake.”

"It is true that infection with an influenza virus can produce immunity to that strain—that's the principle by which vaccination works," Sandora explains. "However, catching this novel H1N1 flu virus can be extremely dangerous. More than 500 people have died already from the virus in the United States alone." He concludes: "Intentionally exposing your child to a potentially fatal infection is never a risk worth taking."

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this May 4, 2009 file photo, Fred Moiola Elementary School students, from left, Sammy Arne, Alix Gast and Kyle Edwards ride their bikes outside the closed school in Fountain Valley, Calif. The school... (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

A mother puts a face masks on her daughter, as a precaution against swine flu, before entering the National Institute of Respiratory Illnesses (INER) in Mexico City, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

First-grader Emma, whose last name is omitted at parent's request, follows instructions on how to wash her hands at Rock Creek elementary school in Beaverton, Ore., Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

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The idea of parties designed to expose children to infections is not new—in the past, some people have hosted 'chicken pox parties' in an attempt to expose their children to varicella. - Judith Palfrey, M.D.

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Swine Flu Parties Unsafe: Doc