Stop the Spread of Germs: Actions
for Schools October 28, 2004
Educators, staff, and parents
can help slow the spread of colds and flu by using
the materials and links below. Always remind students
to:
-
cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away;
- cover
up with a sleeve if you don't have a tissue, and
- clean hands often.
See the Cover
Your Cough page on this site for poster
and flyer formatted for use in schools
"It's a SNAP" Toolkit
Program materials to help prevent school absenteeism Activities
for school administrators, teachers, students
and others can do to help stop the spread of
germs in schools. See the handcleaning section of the "It's
a SNAP" site at http://www.itsasnap.org/snap/about.asp
Approximately 1/5 of the U.S. population attends or works in schools. (U.S. Dept of Ed, 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.
Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333,
U.S.A
Tel: 404-639-3311 / Flu Public Inquiries: 800-CDC-INFO • TTY 800-243-7889
Clinician Information Line: 877-554-4625