GULF COAST - Teachers and parents all over the gulf coast are finding themselves talking to their children about H1N1 and how to prevent it.

As Channel Three's Jake Peterson tells us in this special report, Swine flu has changed the routines of everyone.

With each touch of a keyboard, desk or door knob the threat of catching the swine flu increases.

Gulf Breeze mom Rebecca Ferguson and her kids are being extra cautious.

We send them to school with Purell in their lunch boxes.

We know people that got the H1N1 so yeah it can hit close to home I mean its out there.

And Gulf Breeze staff members know that.

The schools are seeing about fifteen more kids out sick each day compared to last year.

I think we have it well under control at our school.

First grade teacher Mary Ann Proctor says she's talked to her students about what the swine flu is and how to prevent getting it.

We're more aware were really making sure children sanitize wash their hands, everybody in the whole school is doing that that's probably why we haven't had many cases.

Gulf Breeze janitors are working harder than ever.
Each doorknob, table and desk is wiped down each night.

Across town here at Ferry Pass Elementary School in Escambia County, the absentee rate is also up, but the principal says its nothing to be alarmed about.

We average anywhere from 60-80 out of school. versus last year we had 30-40 students out.

Ferry Pass principal Rhonda Shuford says it's hard to track how many students had the swine flu, because the school's aren't required to do so.

She says her staff is taking swine flu precautions.

We encourage them to stay home if they are sick.

Is anyone else ready to type.

Ferry Pass teacher Wanda Repine has added the swine flu into her lesson plan.

Her students are now experts at coughing into their elbows.

They are really great about reminding each other to do that too, so if they go (cough) then they yell in your elbow and we make sure they wash hands every time they cough or sneeze.

You'll find hand sanitizer in just about every room in Escambia and Santa Rosa County schools.

Washing and sanitizing has become a pre-lunch rule at most schools.

How many times do you wash your hands, uhh at least 15 times.

Third grader Zachary Taylor says children are hearing swine flu lessons from their parents, teachers and fellow classmates.

Cough in your arm, is that what you tell your friends ya.

Gulf Coast educators say the swine flu isn't a major worry yet, but being proactive is a lesson we all could learn from.

We're just having a normal school year we aren't in panic mode or anything. So I think we are fine.Swine Flu in the Schools