Swine Flu a Concern for Schools

Jennifer Wagaman — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:39:41 +0000

School is back in session for many teachers and students and the swine flu is still a huge concern. Recent news reports say that half of the population of the United States will become infected with the swine flu and that it will likely kill twice the number of people as the flu typically kills in any given year, with one scenario predicting up to 90,000 deaths.

What can teachers do to prevent the spread of Flu in their classrooms?

Teach proper hygiene. Teaching students to sneeze into their elbows is only part of the issue. If that student then wipes his elbow with his hand and grabs the ball at recess, those germs are still being spread. Look for creative ways to teach lessons about germs. Check out the germy potato experiment!

Keep disinfectant handy. Each afternoon when the students go home, teachers should disinfect each chair, desk, door knob and other materials that were handled by students. Have students use waterless hand-soap upon entering the classroom.

Felling ill? Stay home! While this may be increasingly difficult for a teacher, it is more important than ever for teachers not perpetuate the spread of any illness. Students need to stay home too, even if it means parents must lose a day of work or call in a babysitter.

It is true that the Swine Flu is simply another strain of the flu and many feel that the concern is overblown. Unfortunately, the flu does kill people, and with the numbers of diagnosed flu cases as high as it is already, outside of the flu season, some concern is warranted. Vaccines will become available, but not until October with the bulk of vaccines not available until November.

Preventing the Spread of Swine Flu and Other Illness

Jennifer Wagaman — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:12:28 +0000

With more confirmed and suspected cases of the swine flu each day, many parents and teachers are wondering how to keep the illness from spreading and remain healthy. Panic is not going to help, in fact the more panic created, the more the illness is likely to spread as stress weakens the immune system. There are some things that parents and teachers can do to help though:

Wash your hands! Using soap and water is only helpful if you soap up your hands for 3o seconds in order to kill the germs. Using water free hand sanitizer can be helpful as well.
Steer clear of those exhibiting symptoms of illness. By standing at least 6 feet back, you will be less likely to come in contact with the germs.
Stay home if you or your child is sick. By going out in public or sending your child to school, you are only spreading germs around and making it more difficult for this flu and other illnesses to die down.
Go to the doctor! If the flu is treated within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the symptoms will be milder and the duration shorter.

For more tips, read: How to Manage Teacher’s Health in the Classroom

321 Learn! » illness in the classroom

Swine Flu a Concern for Schools

Preventing the Spread of Swine Flu and Other Illness