Although no cases of H1N1 flu have been confirmed in Wilkes County, a variety of flu-like illnesses may have made as many as 10 percent of the students in Wilkes County schools sick last week, said the Wilkes County Health Department.

"The absentees peaked at 10 percent last week on Thursday," Jennifer W. Jackson, RN, health department administrator, said. "But it's been a mild flu-like virus and there are a lot fewer out sick this week."

"Things are much better this week," said Dr. Rosemary W. Caddell, Wilkes County Superintendent of Schools. "We've had high numbers of children out sick, but it's been with a variety of sickness, not necessarily flu."

State rules now say that testing for H1N1 flu should be limited to those who are hospitalized with the illness, since there are only two labs in Georgia that can test for it. "By the time the test comes back, the patients have recovered and are back at work or school," Jackson said. "It's a fairly mild flu."

Whether "what's going around" is the usual seasonal flu, H1N1 flu, or just the common cold, both health and school authorities are telling people to take the same preventive actions.

"If your child has a fever or feels like the flu is coming on, keep them home," Caddell said. "That's the key. Keep them home for 24 hours after the fever has gone away without medicine."

Teachers and school nurses are keeping an eye on students and will send home any child with a fever or who is feeling unwell, she said.

The other key to prevention is hand washing. "Wash, wash, wash your hands," Jackson said. "Wash them thoroughly and often, and use hand sanitizer when you can't wash."

"We teach children to sing 'Happy Birthday' all the way through while they wash their hands so they'll wash long enough to be effective," Caddell said.

Good hand washing, Jackson said, is absolutely critical and the best way to prevent the spread of germs. "We encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective," she said. "Everyone should wash their hands before eating, after going to the bathroom and after they cough, sneeze, or blow their nose."

Jackson stresses good hygiene for those who are already ill. "Germs spread when we cough or sneeze, so you should cover coughs and sneezes with your elbows whenever possible. You need to wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose."

She says people should properly dispose of used tissues and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

Staying away from others in the workplace or at school is critical to stopping the spread of the flu. "If you are sick or have a fever, please stay at home and limit your contact with others to keep them from spreading the infection. If you have flu-like symptoms, please contact your health care provider for further guidance."

Dr. Caddell says that she sympathizes with parents who wake up to find themselves with a sick child. "If you haven't arranged for child care in advance, it's tempting to send them on to school so you won't miss work," she said. "But try to set up care for a child ahead of time, so you'll be ready if they get sick and you can't get off work."

To avoid spreading germs:

l If you feel sick or have a fever, stay at home.

l Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, before eating, after going to the bathroom and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

l Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Dispose of used tissues and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.