Schools prepare to stop flu spread

NEW YORK (WABC) -- After the H1N1 flu shuttered many schools for weeks last year, officials are taking extra steps to prevent that from happening again this year. But what can be done to prevent the spread of germs?

Before and after students at PS 46 use the computer lab, they use hand sanitizers.

"And we're going to continue following the proper protocols that were set by the DOE and the DOH to make sure that our children are healthy," principal Marsha Goldberg said.

The protocols are part of the city's Open School Policy, which says that health officials do not plan to close schools that experience influenza activity and that schools will instead pursue measures designed to slow transmission while classes and activities continue. Some PS 46 parents are comfortable with the policy, to a point.

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Since the policy last spring of closing some schools, more is known about the H1N1 virus.

"What has happened with H1N1, and we have been very fortunate, in that most of the infections that have occurred, particularly in younger people, have been mild infections," said Dr. James Rahal, an infectious disease expert at New York Hospital-Queens.

He says the severity of the disease among the children who are infected is the number one factor in determining whether or not a school should be closed.

Flu-like illnesses at individual schools will be posted online, each day. The Department of Health says that if at least 15 kids in a school see the school nurse in one day, a doctor or supervising nurse will visit the school to assess the situation.

Experts say offices should also take precautions and develop plans for sick calls.

"Whether it's a school, child or an office worker, you will try to prevent severe disease in as many people as possible," Dr. Rahal said.