Kids Corner

Help Children Stay Healthy this Flu Season
Passing notes and sharing lunches are part of a normal school day routine for children. But there is something we don't want them to share and that's GERMS!

Learn how Elmo practices good habits everyday to stay healthy!

How Does the Flu Virus Spread?
The flu virus spreads from person to person through droplet particles. This can occur from sneezing or coughing close to another person; or when someone coughs or sneezes onto an object or surface, which is then touched by another person who touches his or her face, eyes, nose or mouth.

Good Health Habits to Practice
This flu season, practice good health behaviors yourself and teach these same behaviors to your friends and family:

• Avoid close contact
  • Keep at least 6 feet from anyone who appears sick. This is called "social distancing."
• Stay home
  • Stay home if you have a fever >100.4. Do not go to school with a fever.
• Don't share
  • Do not share food, drinks, make-up or other items that could transfer germs from one person to another.
• Cover your mouth and nose
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Germs spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits
  • Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nurtitious food.
• Wash your hands often
  • Washing your hands with soap and water will help protect you from germs. If you can't use soap and water, hand sanitizer is a great alternative. Keep small bottles with you and make sure your teacher has sanitizer for the classroom. You should wash hands:

1.  
   1.  
      1. Before you eat or prepare a meal
      2. After you sneeze or cough
      3. After you use the bathroom
      4. When you are done playing outside
      5. After playing with pets
      6. Any time hands are visibly dirty

Printable Resources

Hand Hygiene Coloring Book