news-record.com

With reported flu cases already at winter levels in North Carolina, health officials must prepare for the dreaded worst-case scenario.

And because the 5-to-24 age group is particularly vulnerable to the H1N1, or swine flu strain, school systems and colleges have to be in the forefront of providing inoculations.

That means wasting no time in making plans to distribute the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available nationwide in early October.

In Rockingham County, free FluMist vaccines will be given at each of the county's elementary schools. Federal stimulus money covers the cost. Guilford County Schools hasn't decided yet whether to join in the seasonal flu clinics, but at least the district will make shots available to employees.

While, at first glance, the logistics of school-based mass inoculations might seem daunting, they're nothing new. Grandparents of today's generation of grade-schoolers remember rolling up sleeves back in the 1950s and getting polio shots.

Earlier this month, students returning to area colleges and universities were advised of the flu threat and urged to get treatment at campus health clinics, if necessary. Living in close-quarters dorms can speed the spread of the virus.

Fortunately, there's been enough lead time since swine flu arrived from Mexico in the spring to devise a comprehensive game plan. The state already has received a $23 million federal grant to help counties gear up.

Initial reports suggest that the outbreak could be significant. For the first week of September, the state reported 1,125 cases of flu-like illness, most being the H1N1 variety. The seasonal flu hit only 719 people in the state during the peak week last winter.

County school and health officials have been busy finalizing arrangements since classes resumed last month. In many counties, parents have been sent letters informing them how to best protect their children. Guilford County Schools, for example, has developed a video on the virus.

Besides swine flu, the more traditional seasonal strain also is expected to make its yearly visit. That vaccine, separate from the H1N1 version, is available from county health agencies as well as private medical practices and some businesses. Supplies, however, could be limited.

Just using common sense will go a long way in lessening the threat. For starters, wash hands frequently, cough into sleeves and avoid crowds. When the bug does bite, stay home until the fever subsides. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.

If we plan effectively now and take reasonable precautions, we could avoid a potential health disaster later.