First of all bacteria and viruses are very different animals. Bacteria are living organisms. Viruses are not. Viruses need a host to survive. Under the microscope, the two look and behave very differently. Bacteria do not mutate as do viruses. Viruses, such as influenza mutate - antigen shedding. Bacteria stay the same, but can become resistant to antibiotics. Viruses that do not have antigen changes such as poliomyelitis can be vaccinated against. Influenza does mutate and the vaccinations are guesswork and need boosters annually in order to have some efficacy. Norwark virus is one of the viruses that does not mutate. Avaccine isin development now.


As far as classroom size is concerned,that has nothing to do with the spread of thisillness.As a public school child, I always had 35 kids in my classroom andmy mother never recalls anything occuring annually like it does nowand with such fervor. My children go to private school where their classes do not exceed 15 children and the sv goes rampant through their schools - each and every year - sometimes several time.


No matter what the factors are that contribute to the spread of the sv, the media is not hyping the stories. We just have more media access than ever before. The sv is definiately on the increase. Doctors, scientists, researchers are keenly aware of it and much as been written about it. I haveseveral doctor friends who have noticed it and they are not emets.


As far as reporting is concerned, reporting the incidents of all illness, not just the sv, is quite an undertaking. Most sv cases do go unreported - past and present. However, since the reported incidents are so high it is still perceived as a increased rate. My guess is there are error margins allowed in the analysis process. Before the reports of increased sv are released, I am sure all of those factors are considered.


Stella