Video: Schools add "Swine Flu Prevention" to lessons learned

By: Michelle Franzen reports. | Alabama's13.com
Published: December 10, 2009

The lessons at schools across the country go beyond the typical reading and writing.

This year, teachers and school administrators have had to add "Swine Flu Prevention 101" to their curriculum.

"Remember, soap and then water."

But beyond the typical handwashing, one Charlotte, North Carolina elementary school handed out personal water bottles.

Originally intended to cut down on time spent waiting in line at the water fountain -- the program has the additional benefit of keeping kids' mouths and hands off of the spouts -- where germs can lurk.

"If we're getting any H1N1 prevention from that, then that's something we'll certainly take," said Steve Drye, principal at Elon Park Elementary School in Charlotte.

Schools across the country have organized H1N1 vaccine clinics -- a monumental accomplishment, according to the director of the Centers for Disease Control.

"It's quite difficult," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, CDC director. "You have to get the consent forms, get the school involved, arrange to bill the insurers who will provide a reimbursement of the work that's done, figure out how to do it without disrupting classes. it's a big job, and it had not been done on a large-scale basis really until this year."

The CDC recommends children under age 10 get two doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine -- at least 28 days apart. Without both doses, experts say kids are still vulnerable.

The take-home advice: get vaccinated. Even though swine flu cases have been diminishing -- health experts warn a second wave could come after the new year.