By Stephanie Petrellese

As the H1N1 flu, more commonly known as the swine flu, re-emerged this week as a top local and national news story, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Feirsen sought to calm nervous Garden City residents concerned about possible cases in their own school district.

"We do not have any confirmed cases by the Dept. of Health at this point that we have the H1N1 virus present among our student body," he said at Wednesday's Board of Education meeting. "However, we are seeing somewhat of an increase in the number of students who are reported to be ill....Under these circumstances, school remains open."

Dr. Feirsen said the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state and county Health Departments advise school district administrators to keep a vigilant watch on the situation and to carefully monitor attendance patterns. The CDC has told school districts that they can decide to close if they see a cluster affecting attendance and/or staff.

Parents will be notified via the ConnectEd system in the event of school closure. The information will also be posted on the district's Web site.

Dr. Feirsen added that the best way to contain the virus is be exercising good judgment and limiting contact with those who are ill. Staff members and students exhibiting flu-like symptoms should stay home and consult their health care provider.

The superintendent is asking people who are confirmed to have any type of flu to stay away from the school for seven days from the onset of symptoms. A doctor's note will be necessary for students or staff members who seek to return earlier.

The best way for healthy people to prevent becoming sick is to practice good hygiene. Dr. Feirsen reminded the public to wash their hands, and cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing.

More information on how to protect yourself and your family from the flu, and a flu symptom checklist, can be found on the district's Web site, www.gardencity.k12.ny.us.