Health officials are anticipating a second wave of H1N1 to hit Alberta this fall when children return to school.

"When school does resume in the fall, I would anticipate … there will continue to be influenza in school children," said Dr. Judy MacDonald, deputy medical officer of health for the Calgary region.

The Calgary area has seen more than 600 confirmed cases of H1N1 since January. Some experts believe the second wave of the flu virus will be more serious.

Seven people on an advisory committee with the Calgary Board of Education have been meeting this week to figure out a contingency plan if necessary.

'As they're getting their children ready to go back to school, talk to them about things like the importance of washing their hands.'—Dr. Judy MacDonald

CBE spokesman Ted Flitton said the board plans to treat this strain like any other flu.

"For the most part, this H1N1 seems to be presenting itself like a regular seasonal flu," he said Tuesday.

The Calgary Catholic School Board said it's also incorporating its own plan.

"Several years ago when avian influenza came about, we did develop contingency plans for that type of situation. And we have since reviewed those plans to make sure they're in place to accommodate for H1N1," said spokeswoman Janet Sutherland.

7th death linked to H1N1

A seventh Albertan is confirmed to have died from H1N1, according Health Canada on Tuesday. The agency did not disclose any further details on the victim.

The Alberta government is preparing to offer free flu vaccines starting in October. Alberta Health Services is still working on getting a specific H1N1 vaccine.

In the meantime, MacDonald said parents can teach their children to take precautions.

"As they're getting their children ready to go back to school, talk to them about things like the importance of washing their hands," she said.

"If you notice if someone is coughing, that [they know to] actually stay away from them."

Alberta Education is set to release its revised strategy for the new school year, with health information and stringent guidelines for how administrators should handle a potential outbreak.

But school boards said nothing can be finalized until staff return from summer vacation.

With files from Zulekha Nathoo