The U.S. government is urging parents to have a backup plan for caring for their children in case they are hit by swine flu once the new school year begins.
Swine flu (H1N1 virus) is expected to hit hard this fall, and a vaccine won’t be ready until October.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says parents need to consider alternative strategies for caring for kids who are sick with swine flu.
School officials are already taking preparations to minimize the spread of the flu at schools.
Parents should encourage their children to practice good cough etiquette and to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
