ANDERSON, S.C. -- Several probable cases of the H1N1 flu virus have been reported at three schools in Anderson County, school leaders said Thursday.

The cases appeared at TL Hanna High School, McCants Middle School and Lakeside Middle School.

School district leaders said they will keep the schools open and follow guidelines established by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. They said parents are being asked to keep their children at home if they develop flu-like symptoms or a fever.

“I think it’s a very good thing because it’s something we all need to be concerned about,” said Donna Wilbanks, a parent. “We’re so concerned about it with the general public. You know, it’s a scary thing with the regular flu and swine flu. It’s a good thing they keep us notified.”

“I think if everybody just really washes their hands and really covers, you know like that flier thing they sent home,” said Tiffany Frialde, another parent. “I think everybody will be just fine.”

Experts said that people should wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus and cough or sneeze into their elbow, instead of their hands.