Professional Development
Flu Prevention Teaching Strategies
As the new school year gets underway, teachers are preparing for a new challenge. In addition to finalizing lesson plans and stocking up on school supplies, many teachers are preparing to manage and prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. Although the rate of virus activity has remained stable in recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that influenza-like illness is higher than normal for this time of year. As of August 20, 2009, the CDC reports that 7,983 people have been hospitalized, while 522 people in the U.S. have died from the H1N1 virus. As students return to the classroom this fall, it is important that educators are prepared to help their students understand how to avoid spreading the flu virus, along with other viruses.
Teachers can do many things to help prevent the spread of colds and the flu, such as reminding students to wash their hands and not to share utensils. Even middle- and high-school students may need reminders about the ways that viruses are transmitted. Taking steps such as such as reminding students over the daily announcement to wash hands frequently, posting hand-washing posters in all restrooms, emphasizing the correct way to sneeze or cough, and asking custodial staff to keep soap dispensers full can have a great effect on the spread of the virus. In addition, the following resources are available for teachers:
Videos
CDC TV: H1N1: In this video, CDC influenza expert Joseph Bresee, M.D., describes how to recognize the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus (swine flu), including how it is transmitted, appropriate medicines for treatment, and steps to take to prevent or treat illness.
CDC TV: Put Your Hands Together: Scientists estimate that people are not washing their hands often or well enough and may transmit up to 80 percent of all infections by their hands. From doorknobs to animals to food, harmful germs can live on almost everything. This video demonstrates the importance of hand washing to help stop the spread of infection and stay healthy.
Lesson Plans
H1N1 Lesson Plan: This lesson plan, created especially for students in grades 10–12, offers background information, activities, and critical analysis of the H1N1 virus. Students can learn about the flu and its causes, participate in a class simulation, learn about vaccines, and much more. Correlations to national standards are provided.
Games
The Germinator: In this PBS game, students learn the basics of infectious disease. Students learn how germs enter the body and the immune system through an animated game.
General Information
A Communication Toolkit for Schools: This Web site provides basic information and communication resources to help school administrators implement recommendations from the CDC's Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K–12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009–2010 School Year.
FluView: This Web site provides a weekly CDC analysis and report of information about influenza disease activity in the United States.
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