Swine Flu Party? Experts Say Bad Idea

Doctors are warning parents about bringing children to swine flu parties. Health experts say stay away.

While it's unclear if swine flu parties are really happening, they are certainly being debated.

Houstonian Natalie Mohtashami goes to great lengths to keep her toddler healthy.

"We're being cautious. We were supposed to go to Dallas last weekend but my friend's daughter had swine flu so we opted not to go," said Mohtashami.

But online, there's actually discussion devoted to increasing the risk of exposure. In fact one of the CDC's most frequently asked questions has to do with swine flu parties. They're social events where people deliberately gather with someone infected by swine flu. There's no hand sanitizer and guests share drinks.

"I'm not impressed. It's definitely a little ridiculous," said John Willoughby, a parent.

The idea is an extension of chicken pox parties, which are attended by at least one infected child who can spread the virus to others. The logic, if you want to call it that, is let kids deal with a mild version of swine flu now instead of a more serious one later.

"I would say it's an irresponsible approach to safeguarding your child. It certainly could become more virulent in the future, but there are deaths now due to this influenza strain," said Dr. Janice Zimmerman, Director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at The Methodist Hospital.

The CDC recommends anyone with flu like symptoms avoid contact with others until 24 hours after the fever goes away.

"Even if she's remotely sick, I'm not going to send her to school because I don't think it's fair to other parents," said Mohtashami.

Mohtashami says she'll skip the party and get her toddler the vaccine instead.