The following information is from the Red Cross: Health
officials are reporting widespread influenza outbreaks in 47 of
50 states, up from just a week ago. One age group hit
particularly hard is children, and the American Red Cross has
some steps parents can teach their kids to help them avoid
getting sick. The Los Angeles County Department of Health urged
residents last week to get vaccinated, saying emergency room
visits for fever, cough and sore throats have been on the rise
over the past several weeks. A health offical told the Los
Angeles Times they expect cases to increase within the next
month. Kids have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses.
Parents should teach children proper hand washing techniques and
how to correctly cover coughs or sneezes. Wash hands withsoap
and warm water. When using soap and water: - Wash for at least
20 seconds, covering the entire hand including fingernails and
under jewelry.Younger children can be taught to sing a short
song like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," or the