A few school systems in the country have closed due to the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, but for the time being, Trigg County Schools will stay open for the time being, however, school officials are monitoring the situation, and the system is “stepping up” its “Good Health Habits” initiatives, said Trigg County School Superintendent Tim McGinnis.

Those initiatives, McGinnis said, include preventative education for both students and staff, which includes the washing of hands and other measures.

Additionally, the school district has added two new half-time staff members, who will focus on cleaning restrooms, railings, doorknobs desktops and other areas, to the evening custodial staff, According to McGinnis.

“Our professional staff is knowledgeable of the symptoms and our school health providers … are monitoring their respective schools closely,” McGinnis said. “Our bus drivers have also been briefed on preventative measures and the symptoms of any flu.”

Chief Nursing Officer Gail Franks at Trigg County Hospital told the Cadiz Record that they “have been fielding many, many phone calls” about swine flu, although no cases have been found in the county or the surrounding counties.

According to Franks, symptoms of the swine flu include fevers as high as 103 degrees Fahrenheit, body aches, headaches, fatigue, coughing, sneezing, a running nose and difficulty breathing.

More information about the swine flu can be found at the web site for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.