The Cherokee County School District is closely monitoring illness in schools to protect students against the potential spread of a new flu virus this year.

Often called the swine flu, the novel H1N1 virus is a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to seasonal influenzas. It spreads like other viruses through people who have the flu virus coughing, sneezing and touching items. It was first reported in South Carolina in April.

The seasonal flu vaccine is already available from local doctors' offices and health care providers. The first shipment of the new H1N1 virus is scheduled for arrive Oct. 15 and is expected to be offered in all 85 school districts statewide.

County schools will serve as vaccination centers so a new vaccine for the H1N1 virus can be provided free to students and staff once it becomes available, said Donna Peeler, school district nursing supervisor. All 19 Cherokee County schools have a full-time nurse available to deal with the flu and other student health issues.

"Our goal is to prevent and reduce the spread of the flu," Peeler said. "Students and staff with flu-like symptoms, including a fever of 100 degrees or higher, will be referred to the school nurse and sent home."

The overwhelming majority of H1N1 patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most have reported symptoms similar to the seasonal flu.

The best way to avoid catching the flu virus is to wash or sanitize your hands frequently.

"The school nurses are visiting all classes to talk with students about the importance of hand washing and cough etiquette," Peeler said.

Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start and continue to spread them up to seven days after getting sick, Peeler said. The school district is watching for flu-like illnesses in schools and reporting to the state health department every day.

Both the regular flu and the H1N1 swine flu viruses are expected to occur this year.

Letters have been sent home to parents to provide them with tips about how to help children reduce their risk of getting the flu. Prevention tips include regular hand-washing, staying home if you are sick, getting lots of rest, healthy eating habits, and covering your mouth, preferably with a handkerchief, when you cough.

Hand sanitizers have been placed in every classroom in all schools, Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Bill James said. Custodians have increased their cleaning and sanitizing efforts in all school buses, offices and schools.

"We will be monitoring the flu throughout the school year," James said. "Prevention is our main thing. We are doing everything we can right now to stop the spread of the flu virus."

Schools will not be closed for a single or small number of confirmed flu cases, James said. Decisions on dismissing or closing schools will be made by the school district based on consultation with the state health department.

"If a school is dismissed or closed, all school-related mass gatherings will be cancelled or postponed in order to decrease the spread of flu among students, their families and staff," James said. "This includes sporting events, school dances, performances, rallies, commencement ceremonies, and other events that bring large groups of people into close contact with one another."

The Cherokee County School District has posted information about its plans to deal with flu illnesses on the school district Web site. Updates will also be done through the district's Alert Now message system and the school information telephone line at 902-3621.