H1N1 influenza prevention campaign launched

Sep 17 2009

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin today announced the launch of an H1N1 influenza prevention campaign geared toward informing educators, parents, caregivers and children of all ages on the importance of practicing healthy habits this cold and flu season. The campaign, titled "Children's Flu Fighters," will help educate children (K-12) about how to prevent the spread of viruses--including H1N1--as well as other common winter illnesses.

"Everyone, even children, has a role to play when it comes to stopping the spread of germs," said Seth Foldy MD, MPH, state health officer and administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. "Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Flu Fighters campaign is a fun way to reach and engage children to develop good habits to minimize the spread of the flu. Flu Fighters will be an effective tool to help parents, educators and caregivers teach kids how to stomp out germs."

The Children's Flu Fighters campaign was developed with children in mind, focusing on four key steps for preventing the spread of viruses and common winter illnesses: 1. Wash your hands; 2. Cover your cough; 3. Sneeze in your sleeve; 4. Take the day off. The campaign reinforces these messages through a number of mediums including a ChildrensFluFighters.com Web site--a one-stop portal for parents, educators and caregivers looking for helpful prevention and other information regarding H1N1, seasonal flu and other winter illnesses. This site features blogs by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin experts, updates on the H1N1 virus as it pertains to children, age-appropriate downloadable activity sheets and posters, as well as other helpful information.

Educators and caregivers, including day care providers, are encouraged to visit the Web site for downloadable information for children of all ages. They can register to receive "Children's Flu

Fighters" information packets that will include posters, stickers and other informational tools (supplies are limited).

Key creative components of the campaign are four characters named the "Flu Fighting 4" that help reinforce the four key prevention points. Developed to help engage kids and reinforce the importance of developing healthy habits, these characters include:

• Missy Clean: Nothing fights germs better than squeaky clean hands. And Missy Clean is always ready with a sudsy scrub and a dollop of antibacterial gel!
• Captain Cough: Sharing is great, except when it comes to germs. So Captain Cough covers his mouth with his arm with every cough, and tells his friends to do the same.
• Super Sneeze: AHH-CHOO! A super sneeze can knock you out - and your friends too if you're not careful. That's why Super Sneeze uses her sleeve to protect others from getting covered in yuck.
• R&R Kid: Sometimes nasty germs can get to you, leaving you with a low-down frown. Take a lesson from the R&R Kid - when you're sick, stay home. Rest is best! Kick back, take a snooze and relax those aches away.

"Children's Flu Fighters, with its colorful graphics and simple, straightforward messages, will be very helpful with our educational efforts," said Diana McGuan, RN, School-based Nursing Program, who sees students at Ben Franklin and Green Bay Avenue schools in Milwaukee. "This is a great way to share information with kids and their families to help us prevent the spread of H1N1."