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Children Targeted to Reduce Risk of H1N1 Transmission
In an effort to limit the spread of the H1N1 virus, health experts are calling for children as young as age 2 to be taught strategies to prevent infection transmission, with day cares and schools at the center of the effort, the Associated Press reports. For example, at Kiddie Academy in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., staff are washing children's hands more frequently and teaching them to sing two rounds of Happy Birthday to ensure that they spend enough time disinfecting their hands. The Kiddie Academy has also asked cleaning crews to pay more attention to washing door handles and has begun washing toys more frequently. The media is also supporting efforts to educate children about reducing the spread of infection. For example, at the request of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, popular Sesame Street characters Elmo and Rosita currently appear in a series of public service announcements aimed at teaching children to sneeze into the crook of their arm and about the benefits of using hand sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes and thorough hand washing. Elmo and Luis also appear in a separate PSA designed to help parents create a plan so that they can keep children at home if they get sick. Commenting on the effort, the vice president of outreach and educational practices for Sesame Workshop noted that "they're easy messages, fun and make a difference" (Taylor, AP/Washington Post, 10/28/09 [registration required]).