The recent spread of the H1N1 virus, better known as the swine flu, has caused a global panic.
Since the virus’ outbreak on April 23, the United States has reported 5,123 cases in 47 states with five deaths.
Around the world, 8,840 cases of H1N1 have been reported with 70 deaths.
In Arizona, 476 cases have been confirmed with one death on May 15.
WHS and the GUHSD have yet to report a confirmed case.
Because of the H1N1 virus, certain measures have been implemented to quaratine the virus’ outbreak.
WHS nurse Debbie Gilliland said that the fear associated with this new flu strain is unfounded.
"This fear is not necessary since many more die from the regular flu a year," Gilliland said. "I wasn’t concerned from the get go."
In response to the swine flu’s outbreak, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a series of steps to contain the virus including asking students to remain at home if sick and informing them of proper hygiene.
If a school reports a confirmed case of swine flu, the school district, in conjunction with the CDC, will close the school for cleaning, Gilliland said.
"The state health department does not want to make the mistake of not closing a school down and then having someone sick," she said.
To record the number of students who show symptoms of the H1N1 virus, Gilliland daily faxes an Absentee/Respiratory Illness Report Form to the Maricopa County Health Department with the names of students who report having respiratory complications.
In addition, Gilliland recommends that students continually wash their hands, use hand sanitizer, and stay out of large crowds, such as malls and sporting events, to avoid potential infection.
"Staying out of contact with large groups where people cough and sneeze will help the prevention of the H1N1 virus," Gilliland said.
She said that children and the elderly are the most at-risk demographic for the H1N1 contraction since their immune systems are compromised.
"People who have underlying illnesses should also stay home," she added.
Junior Haley Goding said that she wasn’t concerned about contracting H1N1.
"The media blew it way out of proportion," Goding said. "They really have exaggerated the extent of the virus’ outbreak."