Flu Prevention Tips on the Fields and Courts

Flu Prevention Tips on the Fields and Courts
Posted by Katie Stanton on October 30, 2009 at 11:33 AM EDT
There are a number of common sense precautions being taught at homes and schools across America to help prevent the spread of the flu, including frequent hand washing, sneezing into the elbow, and getting a vaccination when it becomes available.

If your kids are playing on sports teams this fall, here are a few more tips to help them stay healthy:

•Have coaches remind children to cover sneezes and coughs with their sleeve or a tissue. Dispose of any tissues in a separate bag.
•Coaches (and parents) should make sure players stay home if they have a cough, cold, or flu for 24 hours after their symptoms have cleared.
•Have players wash their hands or use hand sanitizers before starting the game.
•Make sure players bring in their own water bottles and do not share them.
•Instead of post-game handshakes or high-fives, cheer or clap for the opposing team.
For more tips for parents or information about flu, visit Flu.gov.

Katie Jacobs Stanton is Director of Citizen Participation and a Soccer Mom