1. HEALTHY KIDS, HEALTHY CLASSROOMS
Prevention and Preparation
This presentation covers how germs spread, simple steps for prevention, and information preparation for a possible flu outbreak
Health tips are useful for seasonal flu, as well as pandemic flu
Preparation tips are useful to prepare for any health or natural emergency, such as earthquake
Content courtesy of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department

2. Overview How germs are spread Tips to avoid spreading germs Supplies
The information offered in this presentation will help audience avoid disease and help them to prepare for any health or natural emergency. It’s earthquake preparedness revisited.

3. How Flu Germs Are Spread
Through the air in droplets from sneezes and coughs
From hand to hand
From hand to eyes, nose, and mouth
Flu germs are present before symptoms appear
A person infected with the flu may transmit the flu for one to two days before they have symptoms, and for five to seven days after symptoms begin.
Prevention steps directly target transmission routes

4. Social Distancing to Avoid Germs
Stay at least three feet away from people who are sick
Avoid places where large groups gather, like theaters or malls
Avoid shaking hands. Air kisses are definitely out!
During an outbreak, it is difficult to know if people are ill, especially during the time before symptoms appear, so keeping your distance is prudent

5. Cover Your Cough! Cover mouth and nose with a tissue
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if no tissue is handy
Put used tissue in the waste basket
Wearing a surgical mask can help protect others
These steps stop airborne and hand transmitted germs

6. Wash Your Hands!
Wash with liquid soap and warm water for 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing
Dry hands thoroughly with a paper towel and use it to turn off the faucet. A shared towel will spread germs.
Always throw paper towels into the waste paper basket
Alcohol-based hand cleaner works, too
Also wash hands after using the bathroom, before touching eyes, nose, mouth, after touching dirty tissues, before preparing food
Liquid soap does not harbor germs
Proper disposal of tissues and towels cannot be stressed too much. It is amazing how often these simple things are neglected!

7. Keep Clean!
Disinfect door knobs, switches, handles, and other surfaces
Wash cleaning cloths in hot water
Throw paper towels into waste paper basket
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)
Following these steps in the classroom will help stop spread of disease among students and teachers.
Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. (CDC, 1996)
Disinfectant: 1 gallon water mixed with 1⁄4 cup bleach Mix up a fresh batch every time you use it. Reduced batch: 1 tablespoon bleach mixed with 1 quart of water
Distribute handout

8. Healthy Classrooms Sanitize hands regularly Separate desks
Minimize sharing of materials
Sanitize desks regularly
Payoff: fewer absences, better learning, more ADA
Sanitize hands at the beginning of the period. Hands with visible dirt need to be washed instead of using hand sanitizer
Separating desks minimizes contact with airborne germs
Students could be asked to provide their own pens, markers, and crayons
The teacher can spray desks and distribute paper towels for students to wipe down desks. Paper towels should go into a lined waste basket.
Teachers might offer extra credit for sanitizing supplies, depending on school policies
The IRS offers a small tax credit to offset costs to teachers for supplies
Taking 2 – 3 minutes for sanitizing can pay off in fewer absences for students and teachers alike. Benefits include better learning, higher test scores, higher ADA

9. Emergency Supplies Two weeks worth of food for each family member
One gallon water per day for each family member
Two weeks worth of medicine
Tylenol and cough medicine
Prescription medicines
Rehydration solution
Tissues, paper towels, face masks and plastic gloves
Disinfectants and chlorine bleach
Cell phone and charger
Distribute handout
Food should not need refrigeration
Water should be in sealed, unbreakable containers. Allow 1 gallon per day per family member
Pedialite or other store-bought solution is recommended for infants, toddlers and children
These will help prevent spread of disease at home