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The World Health Organization has changed its position on school closings as a means to stem or slow the rate of infection with H1N1.  Initially WHO reasoned that children would still have social contact with other children after the school day and on the weekends. now, however, WHO believes that early school closings could slow the spread of H1N1 by 30 to 50%.  The organization stresses that, to be effective, school closings must occur as soon as the virus is detected, or the reduction rate in new infections could be very limited.  Problems with school closings include employment absenteeism when a parent must stay home to care for children and staying on pace with school curricula.  According to the Times of India, H1N1 is expected to attack 30% of the population in countries where it  appears.

WHO suggests that school closing is appropriate when 1% of the student body contracts the disease, according to CBS News.  The bureau also references evidence that taking Tamiflu as a preventive measure may help the disease develop a resistance to the antiviral drug.