The Byrd and the Swine Flu

Aiken County, SC—Miss Brown’s 5K class heard from several different animals, Monday; but the elephant in the room might just be the swine flu.

Principal Russell Gunter, Byrd Elementary School: “We’re just trying to keep everything here as clean as possible and the child, make certain they wash their hands.“

Here at Byrd Elementary, the threat of Swine Flu, or H1N1, isn’t being ignored.

The nurses’ station is fully-stocked, and instead of bringing apples and pencils, parents have been donating disinfectants.

Principal Gunter: “A lot of parents have sent the hand sanitizers and all, to the teachers, so they’re using that when the kids go to the restroom.”

An Aiken County goes back to school, district leaders are taking necessary precautions.

Dr. Cecelia Davidson, Associate Superintendent: “We’re as prepared as we can be. We don’t know where it’s going to go, now that we’re bringing the children back together. Will it increase the risk? Sure it will. But we’re going to take every precaution.”

Dr. Davidson says all the elementary schools in the county will have a nurse there five days a week, but because of budget shortfalls, some schools will share nurses.

Dr. Davidson: “With budget cuts, our nursing services in the middle and high school have decreased. We didn’t lose any nurses, but through attrition, we didn’t gain any either.“

Despite the challenges, officials say they are prepared to have nurses at every school, at least one day a week…and they’re asking parents to join the fight against bacteria. Letters were sent home with each student Monday, asking parents to lend a hand, to help fight off the flu.

Principal Gunter: “Stay in contact with the teachers. Teachers will do their best to keep you informed throughout the year, and we just hope everyone has a successful year.“

District leaders say DHEC might make the Swine Flu vaccine available for students at their schools, when it comes out later this fall.