The NEA HIN Flu Fighting Challenge

Do You Know How to Avoid The Flu?

Did you know that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications each year? 

Did you know that approximately 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5 years of age?

The Centers for Disease Control describes the flu as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to death.

The NEA HIN Flu Fighting Challenge

It’s important for everyone to learn more about fighting the flu.  That’s why we are mounting NEA HIN’s Flu Fighting Challenge, a month-long campaign to encourage educators to share fast facts with students, parents, and colleagues about how to stay healthy. 

Every Tuesday in October, NEA HIN will post a flu-fighting fact and related resource; you can pass along to students and others in your school. 

Here’s this week’s tip:

• Flu germs can actually travel from 6 to 12 feet, moving at a rate of up to 100 mph from sneezing or coughing. No wonder why you must cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze! Airborne germs are one of the most common ways the flu is spread in schools. Even talking can transmit the flu virus. 
• RESOURCE:  Free “Cover Your Cough” flyers in different language available for download at the CDC site

This year’s vaccine will protect against three viral strains most likely to cause the flu in the upcoming year: two Influenza A strains that resemble versions of a 2009 H1N1 and 2011 H3N2 strains, and one influenza-B strain similar to the 2012 virus. Some vaccines will also include a fourth strain, a second B-strain from a 2008 virus. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

3 Things You Can Do:

1. Take a look at our Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Targeted Disinfecting Fact Sheet on our web site.
2. Check with us every Tuesday during the month of October for updates.
3. Let us know your flu-fighting tips on Facebook!