SHAWNEE, KAN -
As kids and parents focus on back-to-school shopping, school administrators and health departments have something far more serious on their minds as they make preparations for dealing with H1N1 virus, aka "swine flu," this fall.
In the DeSoto School District in Shawnee, workers are cleaning everything with disinfectant in preparation for students. The district saw a handful of swine flu cases at the end of the last school year, and with more cases expected the district says it is taking precautions to prevent a breakout this fall.
"Let's attack this with knowledge," said district spokesman Alvie Cater. "Let's do what we can and be calm."
Cater says that the district is starting with an information campaign before the school year starts, with advice for parents on how to stay healthy and influenza-free, and what to do if the flu should hit their children, including advice on child care for a kid who can't return to class for a while.
"If you are a working family-where both parents are working-have a back-up plan," said Cater. "A plan of action. What are you going to do if your children have the flu?"
Health officials hope that the swine flu doesn't distract Americans from the regular flu viruses that still kill around 30,000 people a year on average. Experts say that everybody should get a flu shot to try and ward off any flu viruses out there this fall.
Experts say that it is also important to teach children the basics of hygiene, including making sure they wash their hands often, keeping them out of their eyes, noses and mouths, and covering their mouths properly when they cough or sneeze.
In the DeSoto School District in Shawnee, workers are cleaning everything with disinfectant in preparation for students. The district saw a handful of swine flu cases at the end of the last school year, and with more cases expected the district says it is taking precautions to prevent a breakout this fall.
"Let's attack this with knowledge," said district spokesman Alvie Cater. "Let's do what we can and be calm."
Cater says that the district is starting with an information campaign before the school year starts, with advice for parents on how to stay healthy and influenza-free, and what to do if the flu should hit their children, including advice on child care for a kid who can't return to class for a while.
"If you are a working family-where both parents are working-have a back-up plan," said Cater. "A plan of action. What are you going to do if your children have the flu?"
Health officials hope that the swine flu doesn't distract Americans from the regular flu viruses that still kill around 30,000 people a year on average. Experts say that everybody should get a flu shot to try and ward off any flu viruses out there this fall.
Experts say that it is also important to teach children the basics of hygiene, including making sure they wash their hands often, keeping them out of their eyes, noses and mouths, and covering their mouths properly when they cough or sneeze.
