After a fast-moving outbreak of the H1N1 (swine) influenza strain at Guilford High School (GHS) late last month, it appears as if the spread of the flu has stabilized, giving way to a rise in attendance and healthy students at the schools.

Due to a 42.5-percent absenteeism rate at the high school

Oct. 23, officials took action to close the school for two days. It was the first school in the state to close its doors due to an H1N1 flu outbreak. Before- and after-school programs and activities were cancelled, as well.

Last week, things looked brighter as the absentee rate at the high school neared the normal mark at 5.6 percent. The normal absentee rate for all absences, not just illness, is usually three percent, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Forcella.

Town Health Director Dennis Johnson said the absentee numbers at GHS were encouraging and that closing the school for two days proved effective against the spread of H1N1.

"The incubation period is from one to three days," Johnson noted.

Last week, the absentee rate at Adams Middle School was the highest at 10.2 percent, followed by Calvin Leete at 9 percent, Baldwin Middle at 8.6 percent, A.W. Cox at 7.9 percent, Melissa Jones at 4.9 percent, and Guilford Lakes at 4.4 percent. These percentages reflect student absences due to illness only.

Of all seven schools in the district, three schools saw a rise in their absentee rates in one week from Oct. 23 to 30, including

Adams (5.8 to 10.2 percent), Baldwin (6.1 to 8.6 percent), and

Melissa Jones (3.1 to 4.9 percent).

Four schools saw a decrease in their illness absentee rates from Oct. 23 to 30, including GHS (42.5 to 5.6 percent), Guilford Lakes (5 to 4.4 percent), A.W. Cox (10.3 to 7.9 percent), and Calvin Leete (10.7 to 9 percent).

Forcella said he anticipated all before- and after-school activities to resume in all of the schools by Nov. 1.

"We will continue to consult with health officials and will communicate information as needed," he said.

Johnson said a recent vaccination clinic held Oct. 31 for those in the high-risk category (pregnant women, children, health care workers, and people who care for infants) went well, with more than 230 residents receiving

vaccinations. The clinic was by appointment only.

Johnson said he expects a second clinic to be held within one or two weeks and a clinic for school-aged children to be held in the

future.

"We are still in the shortage of H1N1 vaccination mode," he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the best tactic against catching and spreading the H1N1 flue is to wash your hands frequently. Keep your hands clean, cover your cough and sneeze, and refrain from touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. Do not share personal items among family members or friends. Keep frequently handled areas in your home and office as clean as possible, such as door knobs, handles, bathrooms, phones, and the computer mouse and keyboard, for example. If you believe you have the flu, stay home.