Durant schools confirmed this morning that an elementary student who was out sick last week had the H1N1 flu virus. This is the first confirmed case of H1N1, swine flu in Bryan County.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Simeroth stressed that the H1N1 is just another strand of the flu virus.

“It’s important that they don’t overreact or panic,” he said, adding that the H1N1 flu should be treated like the regular flu virus.

Simeroth said he could not confirm which school the student attends, but the student is now well and is back at school.

Simeroth is sending a letter out, reminding students to take precautions, including the following:

— Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

— Cover your coughs and sneezes with the crook of your elbow or a tissue, and throw tissues away after they’ve been used.

— Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

— Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, and don’t share drinks or food with others.

Simeroth said the schools are already taking precautions by offering hand sanitizers and wiping off desks and keyboards.

He also stressed that adults and students who are sick should not come to school, especially if they have flu symptoms: fever and cough or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.

According to the letter, those who are feeling ill should stay home and away from others until their fever has resolved for at least one day without the use of medications.

Durant schools will have a drive-thru flu clinic Sept. 25 in front of the administration office on Waco Street by the intermediate school. This will be for the regular flu vaccine, Simeroth said. The H1N1 vaccine could come out in late October.