While frenzy over the H1N1 flu virus has died down in recent days, one of the state's largest nursing home associations continues to be on "high alert" for the virus, which has sickened more than 618 people in Illinois, including 274 in Chicago.

"We are still on very high alert because we have such a vulnerable population," says Terry Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council for Long-term Care. "If we get a case of flu, it is something that could spread very rapidly to a group of people who could have compromised health.

The association, which represents more than 200 nursing homes across the state, is urging staff members to screen visitors at the door, turning them away if they exhibit signs consistent with swine flu.

"Most facilities are sending out notices to all of the family members to please be careful if you are coming to the facility, and if you even question the fact that you might be carrying something, please stay home," says Susan Gardiner, clinical director for organization.

Some facilities offer hand sanitizer in the lobby.

Swine flu - like the seasonal flu - scares administrators because of the frailty of patients.

"It would be more contagious in a nursing home than it would be in a school," Sullivan says.

Luckily, there have been no reports of the virus in nursing homes yet. But the possibility remains.

"It would be bad luck to say no when we haven't seen it yet," he says.

Gardiner says nursing home patients are more likely to contract a virus through someone - visitors or staff members - who doesn't reside in a facility.

"When you think of long-term care, most of our residents, the only time they go out is if they go out with the activity department," she says.

In order to decrease the risk of residents getting sick, Gardiner says many facilities have reduced the number of outings for residents "until things calm down."