Red Cross offers kid-friendly flu prevention site

Children have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses at school, from playmates and even from other family members. As the number of swine (H1N1) flu cases increase across the U.S., it is important to teach kids good health habits.

Hand washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of flu. Teach children to wash their hands throughout the day, using the proper hand washing technique:

· Wet hands with water and apply soap to hands.
· Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving added attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn.
· Rinse hands with water.
· Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel.
· Use towel to turn off faucet.

Singing a short song like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” or “Happy Birthday” will help younger children, who may rush hand washing. Singing the song will ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds. Placing hand-washing reminders at children’s eye level will also help them become consistent hand washers.

The American Red Cross’s Scrub Club® is being used by hundreds of schools nationwide to raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing to fight germs and prevent illness. The fun, Web-based experience features seven soaper-heroes who battle villains like BAC, kingpin of bacteria, and his colleague E. Coli. In flu season, Influenza Enzo is the most evil character of all.

The site also includes free educational materials, currently available in French, English and Spanish, as well as music, games and cartoon”Webisodes.”

Teach kids to adopt other healthy habits in order to prevent the spread of germs:

· Avoid sharing objects such as utensils, cups and bottles.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands afterwards. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper arm, not your hands.
· Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep germs from entering your body.

Parents should prepare for the potential spread of swine flu by talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick; this may alleviate some concerns, especially on the part of younger children. Ask your child’s school or day care if plans are underway to encourage sick children to stay home in order to reduce the spread of the disease.

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