There have been 10 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Wiscasset’s three schools, and about 160 students were absent this week, according to Assistant Superintendent of Schools Gary Rosenthal.

"We have been in contact with the CDC (Center Disease Control) and we’re taking as many precautions as we can," he said. "The classrooms are cleaned every day the buses are cleaned, and right now we’re just monitoring things."

Asked if there are any immediate plans to close any of the schools, Rosenthal said no.

"Greg talked to Commissioner Gendron, and she told us as long as the staffing levels are good, we should keep the schools open," he said, referring to Greg Potter, Superintendent of Schools and state Commissioner of Education Susan Gendron.

There were 62 students absent from the primary school, with six confirmed cases of H1N1, out of a student population of 235; at the middle school, there was one confirmed case of H1N1, and 45 of the 198 students were reported absent; there were three confirmed cases of H1N1 at the high school, with 60 of the 215 students absent.

According to information from the CDC, people infected with H1N1 may be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to about seven days after getting sick. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

The CDC recommends that those infected with the virus stay home, not leaving except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities such as walking, going to school, traveling, shopping, social events and public gatherings. Those who must leave home should wear face masks.