Washington has released new federal guidelines regarding school closures in response to swine flu outbreaks.  The government recommends that schools should not immediately close if swine flu cases emerge. 

There are exceptions for schools that address special populations such as students with special-needs or pregnant teens.  These populations may be at increased risk for suffering from swine flu related health problems.

These new guidelines also recommend that children can return to school 24 hours after their fever has subsided.  Experts now feel that the previously recommended 7 day period is too long.

Not all parents are happy with these guidelines.  Hopefully schools will be in communication with parents, so that the parent can ultimately make the decision of whether or not to send their child to school.