KHQA checked in with two of the biggest school districts in the tri-states to see how concerned each one is about H-1-N-1, and what if anything is being done to keep it out of the classroom.
Here's what we found out for this KHQA Fact Finder report.
"We want to encourage our kids and remind them that when they couugh or sneeze, cover their mouth. Wash your hands, don't share drinks with other people," says Susan Johnson.
Susan Johnson is the Assistant Superintendent for the Hannibal School system. She says the district works very closely with the Marion County Health Department to stay up on the latest of H-1-N-1 and regular flu. Right now, the district is focusing on getting school started, and this year a big part of that focus is H-1-N-1.
"We want people to be calm and happy about the start of the school year, and for kids not to be concerned. We're trying to keep a sense of normalcy to the start of the school year," says Johnson.
But that doesn't mean behind the scenes, there aren't things going on to be proactive. A lot more attention is being paid to disinfecting the schools, and teaching kids good hygene to help stop the spread of H-1-N-1 or the regular flu, once flu season starts.
"If they are not well, or running a fever, they may need to stay home. It's hard to learn when you're not feeling well," says Johnson.
"Last year we had several families tell us they had been where swine flu had been. They did not want to risk bringing it into the school system. We encourage if that happens again, they will do the same," says Lonny Lemon.
Quincy superintendent Lonny Lemon says his district is also cleaning and disinfecting more. However, Lemon doesn't have to directly worry about H-1-N-1. Should something happen, he'll get direction from the Adams County Health Department as to what to do.
"The guidelines now are you will isolate students who are ill. Get them out of the school setting. Get them home and isolated. If there are multiple people in one classsroom, you may consider closing the classroom down," says Jerrod Welch.
Jerrod Welch is the Director of Health Protection at the Adams County Health Department. He says he feels it's highly unlikely we'll see a full school closure this fall because the health department is working closely with the schools in the county to nip the problem in the bud if H-1-N-1 is found.
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