DHEC is working with every school district in the state to bring the H1N1 vaccinations into public schools when they become available in October. Plans are still being developed, but the vaccine would be free and participation would be up to each school district, according to Don Peace.
Meanwhile, Anderson County government and health leaders came together to get information on how to prevent the spread of the illness.
During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, DHEC explained that H1N1 has now been classified at the highest level of pandemic events by the CDC. However, a doctor explained that pandemic means more wide-spread, not more severe. Heath care providers explained that the virus won't cause people to become more sick than the normal seasonal flu, but people should work to prevent its spread.
DHEC stresses staying at home if you have flu-like symptoms, not returning to work or school until you've had no fever for 24 hours, without using fever reducing medication. The main key in stopping the spread though is hand washing. If soap and water are not available, the doctor suggested hand sanitizer.
DHEC said every county in South Carolina has had cases of H1N1, but again, stressed this is no more severe than the regular flu.
Anderson County Emergency Management officials told government leaders they should plan for absences from school and work.
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