H1N1 reported in Mobile Co. School

Mobile, Ala. - One case of the H1N1 flu strain has been reported at Eichold Mertz Elementary. The Mobile County Public School System is now sending letters home to parents about how to spot symptoms of the flu.

Wanda Hannon works in the health department of the school system.

"The flu is in our community, and what's in the community comes to school," she said.

Cases of the flu have been confirmed in the schools, and Hannon said that was expected. When children get sick with the flu they tend to spread it quickly because they congregate together. There is no avoiding having the children all together, and that is why Hannon stressed prevention techniques.

"Teach their children how to wash their hands, how to cover the nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze. Not to share things like drinks and food," Hannon added.

She also suggested washing your hands at least 10 times throughout the day, especially before meals. When you wash, it is important to develop a lather with the soap and then scrub for about twenty seconds.

"Sing 'Happy Birthday,' or 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat,' that's about how long you need to scrub," Hannon laughed.

Hannon also urged parents to pay attention to their child.

"If they are sick do not send them to school, and if they are sick we're going to send them home."

Each school now has a specific area where sick children will stay until they are picked up and taken home. The schools are also equipped with surgical masks for sick children to wear. Hannon said the masks reduce the spread of water droplets, which are responsible for spreading the virus.