ORLANDO, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist spoke at a local elementary school about preparing for a possible increase in swine flu cases when school begins in most counties later this month.

At McCoy Elementary School Friday morning, Crist said he is primarily focused on prevention of the spread of the swine flu, or H1N1, virus.

"The idea is to make sure we're prepared. Just like it is for hurricane season, it's always best to be prepared and ready. We want to encourage our parents, and students and teachers to be safe and healthy as school begins," Crist said.

Crist is expected to make several other stops in Florida on Friday to discuss swine flu and how schools can prevent is spread.

Orange County Health Department Director Dr. Kevin Sherin spoke at the school along with Orange County Schools Superintendent Ron Blocker later Friday afternoon.

Both officials stressed basic hygiene and the importance of keeping students home when they are sick.

"Every household should have a plan. What we do if we get a sick child? How we keep them out of school?" Sherin said.

Sherin said parents should keep their children out of school until they have been without a fever for at least 24 hours without the help of medication.

School begins in Orange County on Aug. 24.