GULF SHORES, Ala. — All across the country, emergency rooms continue to be buzzing with parents of children concerned that they might have contracted H1N1, commonly known as swine flu. Doctors are not sure if it is a very early outbreak of the H1N1 virus, or if parents are overreacting to symptoms that might not be flu related.

On college campuses, there is concern that students are not taking symptoms seriously, nor are they taking precautions. During the busy football season, one infected student in a large stadium can come in contact with many unsuspecting friends.

But what about at the local level? County school board administrators are working to help schools affected by the flu outbreak, but locally, Gulf Shores High School Principal Dr. Ernie Rosado says they are taking precautions and keeping the lines of communication open with parents, teachers and students.

“We let all the teachers know what is going on, have been in communication with parents, keeping up with students who have recently been sick and getting regular updates,” Dr. Rosado said.  “We encourage the kids not to come to school if they are sick.”

Dr. Rosado said it is important school officials keep the issue in the forefront with the students.

“The students need to know that if they are sick or not feeling well, they need to get it checked out, not just let it go and let it go and let it go,” Dr. Rosado said. “We encourage them to wash their hands before lunch or during break and whenever they get a chance.”

The school also keeps parents informed through e-mails and encourages information regarding any ill students.

“The main thing that we need in order to keep this thing at bay is communication between all involved. Students need to let their parents know if they are sick, and let their teachers know,” Dr. Rosado said. “Teachers need to be able to talk to the students about the issue, and parents and teachers need to be in contact as well.”

At the county level, the school system uses rapid notification to keep parents and students informed on recent information regarding the flu situation.