Students throughout the Southern Californa who become sick at school will get protective masks and gloves to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus and other flu outbreaks, a state agency announced on Dec. 4.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said the multi-agency effort is designed to keep students, teachers and staff healthy and in school.

The masks and gloves will be given out only when a student become sick and is sent to the school nurse, officials said.