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• SWINE FLU
OKALOOSA COUNTY - The first day of school is less than two weeks away for most area children.
To prepare, Florida's surgeon general and Governor Crist announced a two-day blitz of the state to caution parents.
And with outbreaks of swine flu reported as nearby as Hurlburt Field, local school districts are also taking action.
But as Channel Three's Laura Hussey shows us, what parents do could be just as important.
For now, Nanette Savage is more worried about whether her son Aiden has all his third grade school supplies, than whether he'll be exposed to the H1N1 swine flu virus.
At home, her common sense measures help keep him healthy.
Nanette Savage/FWB: "I believe in washing your hands a lot, and I ask my son to wash his hands a lot too."
But in the classroom, other parents' decisions come into play.
Nanette Savage/FWB: "I can't control whether they send their sick kids to school or not, but when my son's starting to get sick, I keep him home."
The director of the Okaloosa County Health Department says people under 24 are one of the highest risk groups for H1N1 swine flu.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alexis Tibbetts says the district will be using disinfecting wipes and bleach to clean surfaces that a lot of people touch.
But she says to keep everybody healthy, parents have to help.
Dr. Alexis Tibbetts: "The most important thing is to please not send your children to school if they are sick. We know it's a tough time with the economy, but we just need them to stay home."
Nanette Savage just hopes other parents will heed her advice.
Nanette: "I think it's a great suggestion."
In Okaloosa County, Laura Hussey, Channel Three News.
The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid-October.
The health department is working on a plan to vaccinate kids whose parents approve at their schools.
To prepare, Florida's surgeon general and Governor Crist announced a two-day blitz of the state to caution parents.
And with outbreaks of swine flu reported as nearby as Hurlburt Field, local school districts are also taking action.
But as Channel Three's Laura Hussey shows us, what parents do could be just as important.
For now, Nanette Savage is more worried about whether her son Aiden has all his third grade school supplies, than whether he'll be exposed to the H1N1 swine flu virus.
At home, her common sense measures help keep him healthy.
Nanette Savage/FWB: "I believe in washing your hands a lot, and I ask my son to wash his hands a lot too."
But in the classroom, other parents' decisions come into play.
Nanette Savage/FWB: "I can't control whether they send their sick kids to school or not, but when my son's starting to get sick, I keep him home."
The director of the Okaloosa County Health Department says people under 24 are one of the highest risk groups for H1N1 swine flu.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alexis Tibbetts says the district will be using disinfecting wipes and bleach to clean surfaces that a lot of people touch.
But she says to keep everybody healthy, parents have to help.
Dr. Alexis Tibbetts: "The most important thing is to please not send your children to school if they are sick. We know it's a tough time with the economy, but we just need them to stay home."
Nanette Savage just hopes other parents will heed her advice.
Nanette: "I think it's a great suggestion."
In Okaloosa County, Laura Hussey, Channel Three News.
The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid-October.
The health department is working on a plan to vaccinate kids whose parents approve at their schools.
The nation reacts as the swine flu spreads throughout the United States. Keep up to date on the latest information and what you need to do to keep your family safe.
Posted: Thursday, August 13 2009, 01:00:13 AM
• VIDEO LIST
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• PORTLAND WEATHER
Saturday: Mostly sunny and mild. More clouds in the mountains. Highs in the 50s. Breezy with NW winds 10-15 mph.
Saturday night: Mostly Clear. Lows 24 to 34.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs 46 to 51.
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