An elementary school student is at home sick, believed to have the H1N1 virus. The student attended Aspen Crossing Elementary School in the Cherry Creek School District.

‘”The parent called us on Monday and said the child went to doctor and had been tested and it was confirmed,” said Tustin Amole, spokeswoman for the district. “The child has not been in school since last Friday.”

Across the metro area students are learning about the virus. Hand sanitizer has been placed at every school in the Cherry Creek School District.

“We have very a comprehensive and detailed plan,” said Amole, as she flipped through a large three-ring binder containing the district’s plan in the event of a minor or major H1N1 virus.

Health officials said they are not surprised to hear of another case of a young person contracting the virus.

“It is true that we have seen higher rates among younger folks than among older folks with H1N1,” said Dr. Lisa Miller, of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.

Miller said people 60 and over seem to have an immunity to the virus, unlike the seasonal flu, where they are at risk.

“At some point in the past they were exposed and they developed antibodies to something similar to H1N1, so that confers a little bit of protection,” said Miller.

Miller said while the discussion now is on the H1N1 virus, she wants to remind people not to forget the seasonal flu.

For additional information on the H1N1 flu and the Cherry Creek School District, visit www.cherrycreekschools.org