Reading, writing and ... ready for flu?

The Lawrence and Hewlett-Woodmere school districts will be educating students on the importance of hygiene to help combat the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus — more commonly known as swine flu — in their schools.

“As always, the safety and wellness of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said Dr. Les Omotani, superintendent of the Hewlett-Woodmere School District. “Consistent with our practices used during the previous five months, we will continue to disseminate accurate, timely and pertinent information about the H1N1 influenza virus to all members of our community.”

The new school year began on Tuesday, and federal and local officials have been planning for the possibility of a pandemic similar to the outbreak in the spring. Two people have died of H1N1 in Nassau County: a woman who had recently given birth and a minor with an underlying medical condition. School officials said they are keeping in contact with New York state and Nassau County health officials, and are encouraging students to regularly wash their hands.

County Executive Tom Suozzi said that the county would prepare refrigerators to store the H1N1 vaccine in October, when it is expected to become available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“As the summer comes to a close and the school year kicks into gear, it is important that everyone takes the necessary steps to stay healthy,” Suozzi said. “Each year, we tell our residents to take precautions as the flu season approaches, and this year, especially with the new White House panel’s report about H1N1, it is even more important. The greatest tool for combating the flu is common sense, such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when you cough. Most importantly, everyone should get a flu shot.”

Lawrence school officials said they would put up regularly changing posters throughout the school buildings about hygiene issues, and teach students “cough etiquette.” “When they cough, they should be coughing into their elbow as opposed to their hands or in the air,” explained Bracha Katz, the district’s special assistant for community relations.