Common sense may be more effective than school closings.

Updating reporters on the H1N1 “Swine Flu” virus, Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, summed it up with this comment:

While we’re not out of the woods, we are seeing a lot of encouraging signs.

Dr. Besser said the genetic properties of H1N1 viruses are remaining consistent and anti-viral drugs, such as Relenza and Tamiflu, continue to provide effective treatment for the disease.

Cases in Mexico appear to be leveling off. And here in the US, the disease appears to be no more severe than seasonal flu. Still, people are hospitalized and people die from seasonal flu, said Dr. Besser, who urged Americans to continue basic preventive measures:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Cover coughs with your sleeve, not your hand.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Keep your children home when they’re sick.

Dr. Besser said the CDC is considering revising its guidelines for school closings, which do not appear to be effective in preventing the spread of the disease. Researchers have found that when H1N1 is detected in schools, the virus is already well established in the surrounding community.

So what would revised guidelines look like? Public health officials are taking a close look at schools in Seattle, which emphasize personal responsibility.

Parents check their children in the morning for signs of illness. If a child is feeling sick, the parents are urged to keep that child home for seven days, even if he or she starts to feel better.

Teachers emphasize hand washing and other preventive measures and are instructed to send home any students who appear to be ill.

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