At the end of last year, several Siouxland schools were closed after cases of the H1N1 virus began popping up. But officials say they've learned their lesson and are ready for just about anything.

Unlike the seasonal flu, doctors have seen the H1N1 virus affecting more children than the elderly, causing concern for local schools.

During last year's outbreak, Sioux City schools stocked up on disinfectant wipes and anti-bacterial products, which they will continue to do this year. Personal hygiene and hand washing techniques will also be reinforced.

But if a child is sick, nothing is more effective at stopping the spread of disease than isolation.

"If you're sick, stay home. That's a really hard thing to do... you know, societies are different now. We all want to go to work, we want to go to school. There's a lot of pressure for parents with day care issues and other things." says Nurse Linda Drey of the Siouxland District Health Department.

What happens if a case of the virus shows up in a local school? The CDC says closing the doors is not necessarily the way to handle it. It stops the spread of disease in the school, but not in the community. They recommend encouraging the use of a vaccine when it becomes available in mid-October.

But school administrators say it would be a personal choice, not a requirement.

"We do not ever attempt to become the parent in a scenario like this and we recognize the important roll that they play as parents. And they have the right to do what they feel is necessary for the safety of their children and we will continue to follow the guidelines that have been given to us by the United States Department of Education as we move forward." says Superintendent Dr. Paul Gausman.

The school district keeps in constant contact with health department and uses its automated message system to communicate with parents. Most area schools also have a pandemic plan in place should there be an outbreak of the H1N1 virus.