Nursing homes and senior centers are taking steps to prevent H1N1 outbreaks.

NIAGARA, NORWAY -- With cases of the H1N1 virus seemingly on the rise, everyone is taking extra precautions, even senior citizens who are apparently at low risk.  They make up less than one percent of the total confirmed cases nationwide.

Nursing homes like Maryhill Manor in Niagara are stressing the importance of being safe and healthy to residents, employees, and visitors.

"We are continuing to teach staff and visitors as they come in to do proper hand washing techniques,” said Maryhill Manor nurse Brian Paulin.  “If someone comes in presenting themselves with a cough or any signs or symptoms of the flu, we encourage them to wear a mask."

Washing your hands properly is one of the best ways to prevent flu germs from spreading.  Wash for a minimum of 20 seconds, rubbing vigorously to remove all of the germs.

Maryhill Manor employees are being sent home or told to stay home if they have flu-like symptoms.

"We are concerned with that,” Paulin said.  “If we get a call from an employee stating that they're having flu-like symptoms--the fever, chills, body aches, that sort of thing--we do encourage them to stay home.  We tell them not to come in.”

Norway Vulcan Senior Center is also taking steps to prevent the spread of germs by disinfecting everything from telephones to door knobs.  This is meant to combat both H1N1 and influenza.

"With the population that does come to the senior center supposedly they are not going to be bothered too much by the H1N1,” said Norway Vulcan Senior Citizen Director Susan Slining.  “But yet the regular flu season is also going to be arriving."

The Dickinson Iron District Health Department estimates right now 99 percent of the flu virus is caused by H1N1.