EFN

The H1N1 virus, what we know as the swine flu, has continued throughout the summer and has spread through summer camps and other places where younger people tend to gather. This virus has caused 8,000 hospitalizations and 522 deaths worldwide this year. With the possibility of a huge breakout with students returning to universities and colleges, schools are looking for ways to stay strong during this possible pandemic. The CDC has advised schools to balance the possible risk of a more severe type of this flu.

Public schools are perfect breeding grounds for the H1N1 virus. Not only are children more susceptible than adults to the virus, but the crowded, and often unhygienic conditions gives the virus a perfect opportunity to spread.

Universities throughout the country have seen cases of the flu all summer and they are expecting the same in the fall. Schools are finding out that shutting down a school does not stop the virus from spreading. The swine flu has shown us its ability to spread more easily than regular flu strains and experts are warning that a second wave is possible and would be much more dangerous than the first one.

School officials are keeping students informed and educated by handing out information about the flu and hand sanitizers are being placed throughout campuses. Schools are also putting money aside for any supplies, medicine and expenses needed to protect against the virus