It is that time of year again. Little kids flooding the malls waiting in line to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. They are going to be whispering their wish list into Santa's ear as they sit on his lap and bring their little germs, coughs, and sniffles. As a result, many of the nation's Santas want to be given priority for the swine flu vaccine. However this is not the only reason. There has been research done that suggests obesity could be a risk factor in getting swine flu. It is estimated that about two-thirds of all American Santas are overweight and about a third are morbidly obese.
Health concerns are raised because some research has suggested that obesity could be a risk factor. A high proportion of those who have gotten severely ill from swine flu have been obese or extremely obese but it could also be due to the fact that obese or overweight people tend to have asthma and other conditions that make them more susceptible.
The Santas of the nation don't want little kids to go without seeing Santa, so many Santas are going to be going gloveless this year so that they can use hand sanitizer after each little kid they meet. In addition, the president of a group called Santa America is suggesting that the Santas encourage children to use hand sanitizer as well without turning the Santa experience into a hygiene lecture. He says, " If we take this really seriously, and I think we should because people are dying, it wouldn't be inappropriate to say this is a year maybe we shouldn't do these mass gatherings."
This is a smart move for the Santas all over the United States. Swine flu is still a huge concern and everyone needs to take precaution. If I was a Santa Clause in some mall, I would be worried about getting swine flu as well. These Santas are trying to make the Santa experience a good one while trying to prevent themselves from getting sick. In addition, this article stated that one mall have hand sanitizer readily available to use after seeing Santa, but no one opted to use it after their visit. Everyone needs to take precaution. Germs can live on your hands for two to eight hours. I and with the Santas of the nation when I say that I agree! Santas should get the swine flu vaccine. If a Santa has swine flu, or the beginning stages, he could pass it along to all of the little kids who come to tell him their wish. I highly doubt parents would want that for their Christmas present...Happy Early Holidays!
12 comments:
Whatever happened to Thanksgiving?
Anyways, at least the kids that visit Santa receive one thing that keeps on giving: the gift of hygiene (if they don't have it already).
Now this does bring up an interesting topic: who should have the priority for the flu vaccine - the feeble or people who come in contact with more people?
I deleted my last post because of typos...!
This is a creative and really interesting post! Kids definitely won't be happy if they hear that they can't take a picture with Santa this year because he has swine flu. I'm just trying to figure out, how would anyone prove that they are a "Santa"?
They're kids; they are willing to believe in Santa as long as he acts and looks like him.
I would just like to say that I think its ridiculous for Santas to get priority vaccines. The fact is, everyone's at risk of getting it. People like doctors, pregnant women, and generally healthy people with some existing medical problem should be the first to get it in my opinion. These people need it. The Santas are choosing to put themselves at a high risk by letting children sit on their laps, and while I know doctors are also choosing to be doctors, I think having doctors is just a little more necessary.
haha ya i like this post. I do think that Santas should be given priority. Their having swine flu might lead to many more cases of swine flu. And the fact that mainly small children who's immune systems aren't fully developed, their could be a lot of casualties.
I'm going to revise my previous statement. I do believe that the Santas should get vaccinated-it will prevent further spread of swine flu and will protect young children. However, just before I wrote my previous post, I saw an interview with a Santa who acted VERY entitled, and was irritated because there are a limited number of vaccines. I don't think the Santas should be the #1 priority, but they should get the vaccine
Haha Rachel. Yes, I definitely agree with most people here. Santas should be #1 to get the vaccine. They are putting themsleves and children at risk. Especially since they come in contact with so many in a day. They should be given priority to prevent further spread of swine flu.
awww I think that's a cute idea to give Santas a priority to the vaccination... it's good that we're still able to focus on everyone's health even during the jolliest and most relaxing time of year!!
and Mai Mai's right about the whole Santa proof thing... that means that any "morbidly obese" person could get the vaccination without proof of being Santa Claus. but then again it's also important to vaccinate the ones who are more likely to get the flu so I guess it all works out!
Katrina...did you just call me "Mai Mai"?
I remember an article last year about how the "fat Santa" stereotype/ tradition could be considered unhealthy for children, considering many of them admire Santa in some sort of way. And in a growing obese nation, they wanted to re-consider the weight and body type requirement for Santas.
Post a Comment