SHADYSIDE, Ohio -- The lights may be on outside, but no one's going to answer at Miss Syd's Preschool and Daycare in Shadyside, at least not until Monday when the facility reopens.

Sickness is ruling the decisions at this school.

Director Kathy Lay said half of the staff is out, either sick themselves or at home caring for a sick child.

The school is now taking every precaution to stop the spread of the flu virus, just like what they're doing across the river in Ohio County.

Holly McCluskey brought her daughters to a swine flu clinic without any hesitation.

McCluskey said, "The fact that we have a way to combat this it's a wonderful thing for the people that are in this area."

Ohio County Health Department Administrator Howard Gamble hopes people will take advantage of various clinics offered throughout the Ohio Valley.

Gamble said, "You have many viruses and problems that can arise in schools not just the flu. So as far as the fear, you will always have a problem of kids getting sick."

Health officials said the best flu prevention methods are those reliable common-sense procedures. Wash your hands, cover your coughs, and stay home if you're sick.

Gamble questions the theory behind shutting down a school to disinfect it. It might not be the best avenue to take.

Gamble said, "The whole idea to shut down a school to maybe clean it. You will still walk into a school with infected children. Unless you take those extraordinary steps."

Gamble said to shut down a school the right way, the entire facility needs to stay closed for 10 days to two weeks. Also, all students and staff should be inoculated. That way the virus and vaccine can run their course.