Bossier Parish Bus Drivers Prepare For Swine Flu

"We have always done it, were just doing more of it because were trying to keep the infections and sickness down," she said.

Before the very first route, she checks her supplies and wipes down the entire bus. The same is done after the last kid is dropped off.

"The kids, they sneeze and some of them unfortunately get on the bus sometimes and theyre sick and we dont know," she continued.

Drivers are paying careful attention to germ hot spots. Hand rails, the back of seats...all things kids touch with their hands. They figure if they kill the germs here, they just might kill the spread of flu.

Students are also given hand sanitizer before they leave. Its an extra step the district hopes is effective.

"Im really grateful that we all constantly have hand sanitizer at school; washing our hands all the time," Bossier High student Jermarcus Morris said.

Mother Beverly McCarthy is also grateful for the precautions.

"I think its great that way the children dont bring home germs and just keep it in the ongoing cycle of just everyone getting sick," she said.

Raney says they may not be able to stop the flu, but theyll continue their efforts as long as possible.

"Everyday, all the way through the school season. Not just the flu season, but through the school season," she said with a smile.

Bossier School officials say parents can help in the fight against flu by taking steps at home. Before you even send your kids to school, make sure theyre practicing good hygiene. For a list of helpful tips, visit the bossier parish schools website at www.bossierschools.org