Cold and flu etiquette is important for children says report
Illnesses are all over the place in preschools and nurseries as always seems to be the case during the winter months. If anything, things seem to be even worse than they usually are this year. A recent article on the Parkview Health website addresses this issue – and centres on the importance of teaching hand washing to youngsters.
“Most adults know that the best way to help prevent illness is by washing your hands and doing your part to prevent the spread” says the report. It is essential that adults pass on such “germ prevention” expertise to younger children. Something called “cold and flu etiquette” is deemed to be at the heart of these infection prevention activities.
Children are frequently exposed to all sort of illnesses such as colds and flu as they mix in school communities – and as we all know they then bring their newly acquired germs home with them, to the detriment of the rest of the family!
There are a number of measures that can be demonstrated to kids, according to Allison Meyer, MD, PPG – Pediatrics. Teaching them to cover their mouths when sneezing and coughing, not sharing food with someone who is ill and staying at home when seriously unwell will all help considerably, she advises.
But there’s one other activity that is important – and it’s a lifetime skill that every child should acquire as soon as possible…
“Wash your hands. This is a simple and effective step for prevention. Germs love to live on a lot of surfaces, so the more you take time to wash your hands before eating, touching your face or leaving a public place, the more you protect yourself and others.”
Make the lessons fun!
Singing songs, making up a fun rhyme or even pulling funny faces in the mirror while washing can make the whole process fun and memorable says the article. Lead by example!
The “glitter game” is a particularly good way of getting the hand washing message across.
- Glitter represents germs – sprinkle some onto a child’s hands and encourage them to rub it all over.
- Show that rubbing hands with a towel will not remove the glitter.
- Finally, get them to wash with soap and water – which gives them a chance to see for themselves how effective scrubbing will help to remove all the “germs”.
Teaching children cough and cold prevention »
The importance of hand washing in preschools
Mobile hand wash units for children can be used indoors and out
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
