Early fall is a quiet time for those who track flu cases. This fall isn't typical.

Flu activity was widespread in South Carolina for the week ending Sept. 5, said Jim Beasley, spokesman for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Last year’s report for the same period showed no activity. The difference? Illness caused by the H1N1 novel influenza virus, also known as swine flu. Ninety-five percent of the laboratory-confirmed flu cases in the state in early September were caused by H1N1.

On Sept. 14, 72 Hilton Head Christian Academy students were absent due to flu symptoms, several of which were confirmed cases of swine flu.

Understandably, swine flu has been on the minds of local decision makers. The Beaufort County School District has been working closely with DHEC, said district spokeswoman Carol Bruno McMillan. A letter about H1N1 from DHEC Commissioner C. Earl Hunter was sent to parents on Aug. 17. It contained tips like asking parents to keep sick kids at home, and telling children to wash their hands for as long as it takes to the sing the birthday song twice.

“We have also been working with our custodial staff to make sure things like doorknobs and keyboards are being wiped down with disinfectant,” Bruno-McMillan said.

Swine flu preparations are also underway at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. “We have installed hand sanitizer dispensers in all of our hallways,” said public information director Deborah Reynolds. “We are also looking into what we might be able to do if there are a lot of absences.”

Large employers are also hoping to ward off sick days.

For example, James Baker, vice president of marketing and public relations at Palmetto Electric Cooperative, said his company would offer both the regular seasonal flu shot and the new H1N1 vaccine. “We’re going to make sure that people have access to the shots, which will hopefully prevent any swine flu outbreak,” Baker said.

Swine Flu Facts

Why is it called swine flu? H1N1 likely originated when multiple strains of flu combined in a pig and mutated, becoming the novel virus.

What are the symptoms of swine flu? Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Only lab tests can show whether or not it’s swine flu.

How many people have had swine flu? In the U.S., as of Sept. 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 9,079 hospitalizations and 593 deaths related to H1N1. Worldwide, the World Health Organization was reporting 254,206 cases and at least 2,837 deaths.

Will my flue shot protect me? The H1N1 vaccine is not a part of the seasonal flu vaccine. A new vaccine for the novel virus is expected to be available in October. DHEC officials recommend getting both shots.

Is swine flue worse than normal flu? According to the CDC, swine flu does not appear to be deadlier than seasonal flu varieties. However some groups, including young adults and minorities, may be more susceptible to the virus.

Can I help stop the spread of swine flu? Things like coughing or sneezing into a tissue and frequent handwashing can help slow viruses. Stay home if you have a temperature over 100 degrees.

Do not return to work or school until your temperature has returned to normal for 24 hours, without fever-reducing medicine.