The H1N1 influenza virus, originally dubbed the "swine flu," has not taken a summer vacation.

Teachers, school nurses, custodians, bus drivers, health professionals and School-Related Professionals all need to be taking steps to prevent spread of H1N1. On Aug. 31`the New York State Department of Health updated protocols for dealing with H1N1 in letters sent to all school superintendents and local health departments outside of New York City, which has its own health department. Schools are "strongly urged" to report absenteeism on a daily basis to local health departments.

As of Aug. 1, the DOH reports 2,253 lab-confirmed cases of novel H1N1 influenza, said to represent "only a fraction of the likely number of cases." Nine deaths have been associated with the illness.

The federal Centers for Disease Control said H1N1 "could result in a particularly severe flu season this year." Limited vaccinations are expected to be available in mid-October; it is hoped that high-risk groups have access to vaccinations earlier.

"We need to be especially vigilant about identifying the symptoms and then acting appropriately to avoid the spread of the H1N1 virus," said NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, whose office oversees health and safety issues for the statewide union.

Education and cleaning are important parts of dealing with the illness. School nurses will again be in the forefront of helping to control the H1N1 virus.

AFT has fact sheets for educators; school nurses; custodians; home care and hygiene at www.aft.org/topics/h1n1/education.htm.

AFT warns that "Disinfectants are registered pesticides and therefore can be very toxic. They should be used with caution, to avoid overexposing everyone in the school."

Schools are likely sites for the virus since people who live, work or study in close proximity are more likely to spread the disease. Last spring, numerous schools were closed as the contagious illness spread. All New York schools are required to have a pandemic plan.

Many colleges and universities had plans in place to deal with the probable return of the virus.

At Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York, officials this summer assembled the college's Incident Management Team to stock medical and support supplies, create a health educational campaign, and come up with plans for large events.

Each college will respond differently, based on size and location, student population and other factors, said David Henehan, SUNY director of media relations.

City University of New York reports campuses are circulating informational posters, keeping soap dispensers stocked and holding administrative briefings. CUNY has updated its pandemic influenza response plan and charged its Risk Management Council's Infectious Disease Committee to develop protocols.

The CDC calls on those with flu-like illness to stay away from classes and limit interactions with others, except for seeking medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of medicine.

For college students, "Distance learning or Web-based learning may help students maintain self-isolation," the CDC reports.

Gov. David Paterson declared the novel H1N1 influenza virus a threat to public health, and State Health Commissioner Richard Daines met in August with county health commissioners and directors to discuss planning and response efforts for the disease, including a vaccination campaign and forum.

The CDC hopes people will get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available locally.

Health care and emergency medical services personnel are encouraged to get vaccinated because infections among health care workers have been reported, and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients.

If only limited quantities of vaccine are available initially, priority will be given to the most vulnerable populations, the CDC states. The H1N1 vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccine.

Anne Goldman, chair of NYSUT's Health Care Professionals Council and special nursing representative to the United Federation of Teachers, said more uniform criteria on school closure and proper cleaning criteria would help. When New York City schools were hit with flu cases last spring, she said the mayor's office met with UFT officials to set a course of action.