Balancing caution with overreaction.

• Position: H1N1 Flu

Now that classes are back in session, parents and school staff have to balance the needs for being prepared for another onset of swine flu with avoiding overreaction in the face of uncertainties about the severity of H1N1, maintain health specialists at the Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta.

Evidence suggests that population immunity to the virus is low, particularly among young people. It surprised authorities by remaining active during warmer months when the spread of flu viruses typically slow down--and then there is the question of a vaccine.

Consequently, the CDC recommends:

* School dismissal is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not a good idea unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school's ability to function.

* Students, faculty, or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the...