The Albany County Department of Health advised school districts June 18 that the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, now is prevalent in the Capital Region.

Letters with additional information from the county are being sent home with all City School District of Albany elementary and middle school students, and will be mailed to all high school families.

You can download the letter here. Similar information will be shared with all district employees.

As it does in any case of a communicable disease, the district is following guidance from state and county departments of health in responding to swine flu outbreaks. As this is a new virus and most of us are susceptible, the illness can become widespread and we could see continued waves of swine flu appearing during the summer and into the fall and winter.

Initial data indicates the largest number of H1N1 cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24 years old.

Most illness seen thus far due to this new virus is mild, similar to previous seasonal flu. As is true with seasonal flu, individuals with underlying medical conditions are at greatest risk for complications if they get swine flu.

While there is no vaccine available to prevent swine flu at this time, most people will recover without medication, and antiviral medication may be prescribed by a physician if warranted.

If you develop flu symptoms, such as a fever of greater than 100.4 degrees with either a cough or sore throat, you may have H1N1 virus. Please consult with your healthcare provider.

The state and county departments of health have advised school districts to exclude students and staff with flu-like symptoms for a period of seven days or longer, if symptoms persist.

To decrease the spread of communicable disease, please take the following precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water

• Avoid people who are ill

• Stay home from work or school if you are sick

• Use tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit, and dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin

• Keep hands away from your face

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

• Clean often shared space such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment

• Refrain from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels

For additional information, consult the state Department of Health Web site at www.nyhealth.gov. In addition, the state Department of Health has created a call center to respond to questions or concerns. The number is 1-800-808-1987.