Schools, teams work to combat swine flu

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Centers for Disease Control says the swine flu is now blamed for more than 1,000 deaths.

And the virus is more widespread that ever before.

Some schools and sports teams are taking new precautions.

High school football teams in Western New York are fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

But off the field, the close contact sport has school staff creating a game plan that has nothing to do with touchdowns and tackles.

Aubrey Lloyd is the Assistant Athletic Director for Buffalo Schools.

He said the H1N1 virus has changed the way teams operate on the field.

"We've made changes as far as you can see on the field. Now we have cups on the field instead of use of water bottles. We limit the use of water bottles only to hydrate our students that are on the field," he said.

Michelle Jones is watching her son play in this game between McKinley and Riverside.

She explained, "It's very scary, it is. It's very contagious and I'm glad they're trying to contain it."

The Director of Section 6 told News 4 that the H1N1 virus has made its way around several school districts.

Wilson is one of them.

Grand Island's football game against Williamsville South went on as scheduled Friday night.

But North Tonawanda canceled one of their games against Grand Island.

Parent, Tim Wendt said, "I have a daughter at Grand Island who's 14, she's in 9th grade. We tried calling pediatrics and we finally got through after three days and they have no vaccinations available."

In the meantime, parents like Peter Blenk explained their children are doing what they can to keep clean.

"Washing a little more, their hands and things and doing everything they can to avoid people with the virus," Peter said.