"Crucial" to keep schools open: CDC

By Sheilah Downey (sheilahd@foodconsumer.org)

Although health officials are expecting an increase in swine flu cases in the fall, new federal guidelines issued Friday urge schools to "balance the risks" of closing schools if the virus should hit.

"It is crucial not to interrupt the learning process without due cause," states recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control issued in a joint news conference. "Although illness may be such a cause, schools and their communities have a responsibility to balance the risks of illness among students and staff with the benefits of keeping students in school."

With almost one fifth of the country's population school related -- about 55 million students and 7 million staff members attend more than 130,000 schools throughout the country -- the benefits of closing schools often outweigh the risks, stated the CDC.

Instead health officials recommend schools take precautionary measures, including encouraging students and staff to get the H1N1 vaccine when it is expected in October.

The joint conference included the CDC's Director Dr. Thomas Frieden, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

Other recommendations include "respiratory etiquette," such as washing hands frequently and covering coughs. Students should be screened as they reach school and sick children should be quarantined, if necessary, and sent home.

Officials also said if students or staff have the flu, they should stay home at least 24 hours after fever symptoms have ended.

If the H1N1 flu causes higher rates of severe illness, such as hospitalizations and deaths, school officials could intensify their responses, stated the report. The final decision of whether to close a school will rest with administrators.