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WHEELING - Along with pencils, notebooks and folders, local students may be adding new items to their shopping lists this year - those expected to help ward off the swine flu.

Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes may be in order, but some school officials said such items will be provided to students at their respective schools.

George Krelis, Ohio County Schools superintendent, said hand sanitizer dispensers have been in place at his schools before swine flu was an issue. But this year, students will be encouraged to use the dispensers often.

"We want to get them into the habit of doing it," Krelis said of practicing good hand hygiene.

Frequent handwashing also will be recommended to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Parents soon will be receiving information on how to avoid the virus and when it is OK to send their child back to school after they have been sick. Krelis said he has consulted with the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department and school nurse Ann Gompers.

Desks and other frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned daily, he noted.

"We're all working together to take precautions," Krelis said.

Shadyside High School Principal Sam Shoemaker said his district is scheduled to talk about swine flu today during an administrative meeting.

"We're going to discuss that issue and do everything we can to keep the school sanitized. But you can't keep them germ-free," Shoemaker noted.

Wetzel County Schools Superintendent Bill Jones said his district plans to be proactive in its approach to prevent the potential spread of the disease this fall.

"The custodians will wipe down the tables, desks, door knobs and keyboards. And we just bought alcohol wipes for the computer lab," Jones said. "We're trying to be smart about it."

Students, he said, will be told to wash their hands frequently. He noted he hopes parents will take advantage of the swine flu vaccinations being provided by the federal government. The vaccine is expected to be distributed to county health departments starting in October.

Krelis added he expects parents also will teach their children about good hand hygiene before they arrive at school.