SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR SWINE FLU

(08/19/2009)
Back to school in West Virginia is bringing concern to state health officials over the outbreak of swine flu.

State school students could be eligible for the swine flu vaccine this fall, with parental consent.

School administrators, nurses and county health officials statewide will join a conference call today with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to review the federal agency's guidance on how to prepare for and prevent exposure to swine flu.

The CDC will cover preparedness, prevention and the interventions needed when school employees see flu-like illness.

Some of the guidelines suggest students should stay home for 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing drugs.

Another guideline, ill students and staff should be isolated from others and sent home as soon as possible.

Although there is no state or federal mandate, school-based vaccinations will be given strong consideration.

It's still unclear when the vaccine will be available this fall.