Preparing for a 2nd wave
Weeks before class is back in session, school administrators all across the country are doing some early learning. Local school officials tell us they've noticed a definite ease in the CDC's new H1N1 guidelines.
Bill Foley, Oswego School District clerk told Action News, "People really didn't know what they were dealing with last year. Swine flu was new. so better to err on the side of safety than on the other side".
In the Oswego School District, days built into the schedule typically used for snow, will also handle cases of widespread illness. Back in the spring, some 700 schools closed for days, even weeks at a time. This time around, the CDC says the decision is up to local officials.
Dr. Jerry Melvin, North Syracuse Schools Superintendent said, " I think people realized very quickly last year when schools were closed, you had the problem of youngsters going to shopping centers, shopping malls, the daycare centers. so I'm not quite sure that was the most effective".
Some H1N1 vaccines could be approved and ready for use as early as next month, and schools could be used to issue mass vaccinations to children, an idea Melvin agrees with. "This is not something new. Many, many years ago, schools served as centers when it was necessary to inoculate children".
And when it comes to sports teams, the Syracuse City School District tells us kids will be discouraged from sharing water bottles or towels. The District is sending a memo to parents this week suggesting they think about transportation and childcare issues, and where to find food and healthcare assistance in case schools do close.
Aside from general hygiene, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, Foley says the most important guideline is pretty simple: if you, your child or a family member does feel ill or have flu-like symptoms, stay home until you feel better!
