H1N1 flu circulating in schools

Posted on Oct 01, 2009 by Cindy Hadish.

Lisbon Elementary second grader Megan Cornwell, 8, uses antibacterial gel to clean her hands after coming back from recess Thursday morning, Sept. 17, 2009. Students "gel in, gel out" several times throughout the day and use antibacterial wipes on their desks in the morning in an effort to prevent the spread of the flu and H1N1 virus. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

Reports that Regis Middle School and a Cedar Rapids day care have students with H1N1 flu should not surprise anyone, said Curtis Dickson, director of Linn County Public Health.

“The outbreaks are going to be occurring from place to place,” he said.

Dickson said schools don’t have to report cases to the health department, but the department can provide advice on sanitation and prevention tips.

Regis Principal Rick Blackwell said the school reported the case Wednesday to the health department.

Blackwell said the school has been proactive in sharing H1N1 information with students and their families.

“We have not received a phone call from a single parent concerning H1N1 because of all the information we provide,” he said.