"We will work closely with schools and child care facilities to help them be on the lookout for children showing signs of influenza and have appropriate response measures in place," Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak said. "School district officials should also maintain close contact with their local health departments and make every effort to share flu prevention information to families."

Symptoms of the new influenza virus are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include sudden fever and cough with muscle aches, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Many people with this infection also have runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes, and some also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Individuals with the flu are contagious to others. It is important to take the following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others:

Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others;Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues;Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise; andSeek care if you have influenza-like illness.

www.health.state.pa