Parents still lack H1N1 information from schools, according to Red Cross poll

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.redcross.</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">o</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">rg/pandemicflu</span>Aug 9 2009

A poll conducted by the American Red Cross shows that while a majority of Americans are planning to take precautions against the H1N1 virus, more than a third of parents (39%) have received no flu information from their children's school or daycare.

"With children going back to school and another flu season on the horizon, parents should talk with their children's school or daycare about what measures the school is taking to plan for a potential flu outbreak," said Suzy DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the American Red Cross. "The spring H1N1 outbreak was a clear signal that everyone needs to prepare -- and that parents and schools should have plans in case the virus returns in the fall."

As part of a family's overall emergency planning, the Red Cross urges parents to seek out information proactively from schools regarding plans for the H1N1 virus and teach children how to lessen the spread of the virus. Teaching children simple things such as good hand washing practices or how to cover their cough or sneeze can go a long way in reducing the spread of seasonal flu and H1N1.

The Red Cross offers information about H1N1 and the seasonal flu at www.redcross.org/pandemicflu. This site contains video resources, preparedness tips and information about how to lessen the spread of the flu virus.