Back to School and the Flu: Keeping Your School Age Children Healthy

September 8, 2010

Perhaps no factor is more important to ensuring a child’s education than good health. As children across the country head back to school, it’s important that both kids and parents remember 5 simple steps to preventing flu:

1. Get Vaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. Although traditional flu season does not start until October, vaccine is already available in doctor’s offices and drug stores across the country.
2. Encourage health hygiene in your home. Remind kids to wash their hand and cover their mouths when they cough.
3. Keep your kids’ play areas and toys clean. Use sanitizing wipes to wipe down toys, video games, and the computer.
4. If you’re child is sick, keep them home from school.
5. Visit www.Flu.gov for the latest news on flu, locate vaccine, and for more tips on how to keep your family healthy this flu season.

Teaching kids about flu prevention can be challenging. That’s why Flu.gov teamed up with some of kids’ favorite television characters to help teach good health habits. Check out these videos to learn more.

Sid The Science Kid | Getting a Shot: You can do it! (Full Episode)
Oct 26, 2009 | 28:08

Elmo & Rosita: The Right Way to Sneeze!
0:30

Elmo y Rosita: La Manera Correcta de Estornudar
0:30

 

And, this fall, getting a flu vaccine will be even easier. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, new health plans beginning on or after September 23, 2010, must cover flu vaccines without charging patients a co-payment, coinsurance or deductible when they are vaccinated through a network provider.