Clinton Schools Fighting The Swine Flu

Scientists are estimating that half of all Americans could catch the swine flu and between 30,000 to 90,000 people could die from the virus.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says closing schools won’t stop the spread of the virus, but says everyone should make plans to get the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available.

Clinton School district has 66 confirmed cases of swine flu: 50 cases at Northside Elementary; six at Clinton Junior High; four at Clinton Park; three at Eastside Elementary, two at Lovett; and one at Summer Hill.

Superintendent Dr. Phil Burchfield says he asking custodial staff to work on Saturday for extra cleaning and sanitizing.

“Our custodial staff is working everyday, making sure our restrooms are kept clean, that our water facilities, where they drink, are wiped down period by period,“ he said. 

Burchfield says he doesn’t want parents to panic.  Administrators are urging all parents to sign up for a special e-newsletter.  (email to be added to this list)

Local colleges are also doing their best to fight the swine flu.

Students at Belhaven College are stocking up on hand sanitizer and are attending special seminars to learn more about the virus.

“They’ve got the flu, you manage it like the flu,“ said Dr. Paul Byers, deputy state epidemiologist for the Mississippi’s Health Department.

“It’s like the immediate thing - Do you have a fever, do you feel like you have the flu?“ said Senior Emily Deaton.  “In the past, student’s haven’t been conscientious about keeping clean, covering their mouth and using hand sanitizer.“

Deaton says students living in the dormitories are especially concerned about contracting the virus. 

Experts say the swine flu isn’t deadlier than the seasonal flu, but unlike the seasonal flu, there’s no vaccine for this new strain.

At least not yet.  Scientists hope to have it available by October.