This flu season, we have teamed up with the Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA) and Clorox for “Say Boo to the Flu!”, a campaign to educate parents on the importance of flu vaccinations and other preventative methods that can help keep families healthier during cold and flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. However, even after getting vaccinated, families should also use simple steps to help prevent the spread of the flu virus—and other potentially harmful bacteria and viruses—in their homes. Some simple steps include:
Doing the Sing and Scrub. Make sure kids wash their hands the right way! They should wash frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, the time it takes to sing this song (to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
Wash, wash, wash your hands,
Wash them nice and clean.
Scrub them here (with hand motion scrubbing together),
Scrub them there (with hand motion scrubbing tops of hands),
And scrub them in between (with hand motion scrubbing between fingers).
Wash, wash, wash, your hands,
Play our handy game,
Rub and scrub, scrub and rub,
Germs go down the drain, HEY!
Wash, wash, wash, your hands,
Play our handy game,
Rub and scrub, scrub and rub,
Germs go down the drain, HEY!
Doing the Elbow Cough. Teach kids to cough into their elbows, not hands where they are more likely to spread bacteria and viruses through touch.
Disinfect Germ Hot Spots. Use a disinfectant that is approved to kill cold and flu viruses, like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, to wipe the surfaces that kids touch most frequently, like doorknobs, light switches, backpack straps, faucets, or toys.
Follow Good Health Guidelines. Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of colds and the flu.
