'Common sense' rule for swine flu in schools

With less than a month until students return to classes, Carson City School District Superintendent Richard Stokes said officials plan to rely on common sense to prevent the spread of the swine flu.

"We're still going to take the necessary steps to disinfect flat surfaces," he said. "We're going to encourage good personal hygiene for the students."

He said students will be advised to cough or sneeze into a sleeve and to wash their hands regularly. He said they should also keep their hands out of their mouths and eyes.

Federal officials last week encouraged schools to stay open unless large numbers of students at a site became infected. As the virus spread to students last spring, more than 700 schools in half the states temporarily closed.

The government also changed its advice on sick kids returning to school, saying they could return 24 hours after a fever, rather than waiting a week.

Stokes said the school district is working closely with the Carson City Health Department to prevent and monitor the new flu strain that is causing global concern.

The department is expected to receive a shipment of the flu vaccine, he said, in September or October.

The schools will then be used as health clinics to distribute the vaccine.

Marena Works, Carson City's Health and Human Services Director, said it makes sense because school-aged children are among those most at risk, in addition to babies, caregivers, pregnant women and those with health problems.

She said the high-risk groups will be offered the vaccine first, but will not be obligated to receive the vaccine.

"We are setting the clinics up in the schools as a service, but the vaccine is voluntary," Works said.

She said any school closure would be determined by a team of officials from the distinct and state school departments and from the city and state health departments.

"We don't want schools to close," she said. "We really wouldn't close one unless there were logistical problems with keeping it open."

To help prevent the spread of germs, Stokes said, disinfectant and tissues will be available in all classrooms, as well as in the cafeteria.

Stokes said all adults at the schools will be advised to watch for flu-like symptoms among students. If a fever is detected, parents will be called to take the child home.

"Of course, we're encouraging parents to keep their children home from school if they have symptoms of the flu," Stokes said. "We're also encouraging teachers and staff to stay home if they have symptoms.

"Common sense is still going to be the call."

Carson City schools resume session Aug. 24.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report.