Parents, students, and teachers can all help slow the spread of colds and flu. Children should always be reminded the following: Always cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze. A tissue should be thrown away after it is used. Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way. Parents, to prevent the spread of germs... Please keep your child home from school if he/she has had a fever the evening before. Notify your child's doctor if symptoms include fever (100° axillary, 101° orally, 102° rectally), chills, cough, sore throat, headache, or muscle aches.

FAST FACTS Approximately 1/5 of the U.S. population attends or works in schools. (U.S. Deptartment of Education, 1999) Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. (Ansari, 1988; Scott and Bloomfield, 1989) Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. (CDC, 1996) Addressing the spread of germs in schools is essential to the health of our youth, our schools, and our nation. Students need to get plenty of sleep and physical activity, drink water, and eat good food to help them stay healthy in the winter and all year.