Childcare centers aim to combat H1N1

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - 86 children have died in the United States this year from H1N1 flu, including four in New Mexico. Those numbers have many parents concerned about whether their child could possibly be infected by the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that childhood daycares take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The CDC warns that children under 5-years-old are at a higher risk of complications with the virus than many others.

Several students and teachers have been out with flu-like symptoms at Escuela Del Sol Montessori in Northwest Albuquerque.

School officials said they are taking extra precautions by constantly cleaning surfaces and insisting students wash their hands frequently.

The school also sends kids home if they show any signs of flu.

Assistant Head of School Elizabeth Marcilla said they are following CDC guidelines, instructing children with flu-like illness to stay home until they are without a fever for 24 hours.

Marcilla said the school started thinking about health risks after avian flu worries popped up a few years ago.

"We created a plan of what we would do if a significant number of teachers or children were out,” Marcilla said. "That we would consolidate classrooms and possibility close classroom if necessary, we are fortunate that we haven't had to do that."

The school said it's also keeping parents updated through e-mails whenever a child is sent home sick.

The CDC encourages all children and people who take care of children to get the H1N1 flu vaccine when it is available.