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The number of schools closings in Texas due to attacks of swine flu viruses has reached up to forty. The outbreak of swine flu has highly affected this state of USA. The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the middle of year 2009 was about 4463 in Texas out of which twenty one patients died. Swine flu has infected mostly the children between 12 to 17 years in Texas. According to the Texas education officials 53,000 students were given leave from schools because of swine flu or suspicion of swine flu. Seeing the increasing number of swine flu cases school authorities cancelled the after school activities, such as competitions, trips, parent nights, concerts, banquets and other extra curricular activities. Fort Worth Can Academy, Richard Milburn Academy, Fort Worth ISD, Cleburne ISD, Lewisville ISD, Richardson ISD, Denton ISD and many other schools were closed for a week and more in Texas.
Preventive measures taken before schools closings in Texas due to the swine flu
The schools closings in Texas due to swine flu initially tried to retard the increasing number of swine flu cases in schools. Schools were forced to take this preventive step because the swine flu virus spreads very quickly through coughing and sneezing of the infected person and as the symptoms of swine flu are same as the common seasonal flu it cannot be recognized unless confirmed by pathological tests. So it was the best that students remain at their home. Texas Department of State Health Services provided antiviral medicines, vaccines and nasal sprays in schools so that the children can be protected from the swine flu. The students were asked to follow all the preventive measures while they are at school or at home for protection from the flu virus. They were also asked to put mask on their mouth and nose when visiting library, laboratory, auditorium or playground. The students were asked to wash their hands with antibacterial soap and water after touching the doorknobs, computer keyboards, switches or other equipments which were used frequently by all the individuals. The school authorities have also kept formal medical facilities for the students who showed flu like symptoms or needed medical care during the school hours and were sent to their homes after some medical treatments. Students were also told to report to the school authorities if they suffered from problems like headache, body pain, fever, coughing, sneezing, sore throat or problems in breathing.
On the other hand it was also advised to the staffs of nurseries to clean the hard toys that were given to kids for playing as virus can exist there. Sharing of things among the students such as pencils, crayons and pens during this period was also prohibited during this period. The school staff were also asked to encourage the cleaning and wiping of hands after passing toys and other things and also after playing in ground. Sharing of wind instruments was strictly prohibited during epidemics. The flu vaccine was provided in different schools to save children from the effects of swine flu. The students were also given tips which could prevent them from the swine flu virus.