(WXYZ) - The first day of school is fast approaching for most kids in Michigan, and that has many parents apprehensive whether schools will be ready to tackle the H1N1 flu.
WATCH ACTION NEWS REPORT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHTNew government predictions say that as much as half the country could be infected with the virus before it burns itself out. Schools are expected to be especially hard hit because of the close proximity people are required to remain in during the school day.
With that in mind, the government has released new guidelines for schools to follow to deal with the H1N1 flu.
For student in K-12, federal officials suggest the following steps to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Stay Home When Sick
- Separate Ill Students and Staff
- Practice Proper Hand Cleaning & Respiratory Etiquette
- Keep Up With Routine Cleaning
For colleges and universities, federal official suggest they prepare for the virus with the following measures:
- Facilitate Self-Isolation For Infected Resident Students
- Promote Home Self-Isolation For Non-Resident Students, Staff and Faculty
- Give Extra Consideration to High Risk Individuals
- Increase Social Distances
- Encourage Hand Cleaning
- Encourage Routine Cleaning
CLICK HERE TO WATCH NEWS BRIEFINGS ON PREPARING THE H1N1 FLU FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
