Sep 6, 2009 10:28 am US/Eastern
Swine Flu Fears Rise As New School Year Approaches
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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St. Francis Prep in Queens
CBS
Swine flu fears are hitting a fever rate with more people concerned that the virus could be a serious threat. Health officials were trying to prevent a pandemic as schools reopen nationwide.
The numbers are in: Americans fear the spread of the swine flu a lot more than they did just a few months ago. Back in May only 49 percent of people polled by CBS said they considered the H1N1 virus "very" or "somewhat" serious. But now those that consider the virus "very serious" has doubled.
Among parents with children under 18, 45 percent said they were "very likely" to have their children vaccinated and another 22 percent said they were "somewhat likely" to vaccinate.
After the holiday weekend, most children and college students will be back in class. At Washington State University, 18-year-old Ashley Dunn has the h1n1 virus.
"Monday I woke up with a fever and could barely breath. My chest hurt so bad," she said.
Dunn's one of six women with flu-like symptoms all living on the same floor of the same dorm.
"It's crazy. You never think you'll get it, but when my roommate got it, then we looked up the symptoms and knew we both had it," she said.
Colleges across the country are reporting cases of the virus. Doctors say the spread of h1n1 virus at schools is almost inevitable.
"In closed quarters like dorms or common eating areas, or bathrooms, those are places where the virus can spread. So I think it's important that the kids, school have a plan," said Dr. Alanna Levine of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
"We have ample evidence the disease is not worsening," said Dr. Thomas Farley, NYC Health Commissioner.
However, it is already spreading.
To keep infections to a minimum, kids will notice some changes at school this year. At St. Francis Prep in Queens, where the swine flu break out began last spring, school officials are taking precautions.
"We will be giving them plenty of swine flu precautions. Plenty of washing your hands. If you're feeling sick please stay home," said Brother Leonard Conway, principal of the school.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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