Foot and Mouth Disease

[Guest guest]

So, the subject of vaccines came up with my S-I-L again. She told me that, a few years ago, when she worked at a daycare center or preschool, one of the kids came down with foot and mouth disease. He was the child of farmers. She said it spread like "wildfire" and the school encouraged everyone to get vaccinated because it was dangerous. Isn't it the human equivalent to mad cow disease?

First-I'd never heard of a vaccine for it, but I guess there is one. Second-I told her I think it's a lot more likely for a person to come down with something they directly inject into their body than if they don't. And let's face it, it's not like my son will be playing with cow poop anytime soon!

Foot and mouth disease is viral and highly contagious. But the recommendations I read on treating it were not much different than for other viral infections-fever control, lots of fluids, aloe vera on blisters, gargle with salt water.

While I had to roll my eyes at the notion my son's going to die if he gets a vaccine-preventable disease, I do give credence to this "foot and mouth" thing. A healthy immune system (including one not adulterated by vaccines) is the key, no doubt?

But I just love the school's thinking, "inject this directly into your body so you don't get sick and die." Great logic. And hey, maybe if we swallow enough lead, we won't get lead poisoning!!!!!!!