The H1N1 influenza is caused by a strain of the influenza A virus and is spread through touch, coughing and sneezing. These tips will help students and staff fight the spread of the flu virus at school.
Hand Washing Limits the Spread of Swine Flu
Hand washing is still the most effective way to limit the spread of the flu. Teach children to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This would be the amount of time it takes them to sing the Happy Birthday song twice. Everyone should wash hands after using the restroom, before preparing or eating food, and after sneezing, coughing or blowing one's nose. Frequent hand washing should be in effect when in contact with someone who is sick. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Disinfect to Limit the Spread of H1N1
Germs are spread by touch and kids touch! Nonporous surfaces can be wiped down with disinfecting or antibacterial wipes to rid them of germs. Surfaces students touch most include: light switches, door knobs, water fountain handles, faucets, pencil sharpeners, keyboards, desks and counter tops. Germs should also be wiped from any school supplies that the children share. Parents are more than happy to donate products such as Lysol, Clorox Wipes and Germ-X – just ask!
Reduce the Risk of Contracting the Flu
Limiting contact with large groups will reduce the risk coming in contact with infected people. Schools may want to avoid field trips where students will be with large crowds. When students show any of the flu symptoms, they should be sent to be seen by the school nurse. The nurse will determine whether the child needs to be isolated from other sick students. Students exhibiting signs of the flu should be sent home immediately.
Healthy Hygiene Helps Prevent Swine Flu
Children should be taught to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues or coughing into the inside of the elbow. Tissues should be disposed of properly and hands should be washed thoroughly. Children should also refrain from putting objects into their mouths and any face-touching behaviors.
Sick With the Swine Flu
Any student or adult involved in the school should remain home if they exhibit signs of the swine (H1N1) flu. These symptoms include fever, sore throat, body aches, chills, coughing and sneezing. They may also include vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms may be accompanied by headache and a runny nose. The infected person should not return to the school environment until he has been fever-free (below 100 degrees) for at least 24 hours or 24 hours after the last vomiting episode, whichever is later.
Schools are at the center of the flu crisis. Teachers and parents can help prevent students from contracting the H1N1 virus. The Centers For Disease Control recommends flu vaccinations for all kids ages 6 months to 19 years old. Hand washing and practicing healthy hygiene will slow down flu transmission, keeping everyone healthy and learning.
Sources:
"Taking Care of Yourself and Others" American Federation of Teachers, 2009
"Teacher's Tool Kit for Cleaner, Healthier Classrooms" The Clorox Company, 2009
Krista Sadlers - Krista Sadlers is a freelance writer, based out of Sebastian, FL whose education, work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a ...
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