What schools can do to stem swine flu
Photo of preparations in Dallas, Texas, schools by Getty Images
Health Teacher, an online organization that focuses on helping schools teach children healthy habits, offers seven tips that schools can implement while bracing themselves for a possible swine flu outbreak.
The group, whose CEO Scott McQuigg grew up in Pinellas County, cautions not to panic and suggests that parents and schools can take steps now to greatly reduce the threat.
Its recommendations are:
- Encourage students to stay home if they are sick.
- Teach about personal hygiene.
- Remind students to cover their mouths if they cough and wash their hands regularly.
- Provide disposable tissue and hand-sanitizing gel.
- Clean all surfaces between groups of children.
- Consider alternative teaching methods if an outbreak occurs.
- Communicate with parents about good hygiene.
For more on what's happening in Tampa area schools, see this morning's story from the St. Petersburg Times.