Educational First Steps Provides Affiliated Centers

Prevention and Education Regarding Swine Flu

 

DALLAS, TX – September 2, 2009 – The medical community says it is possible the swine flu could affect an estimated 20 to 40 percent of the U.S. population this flu season. The H1N1 strain of the flu virus known as swine flu is more dangerous than the typical flu strains seen each year because it is a fairly new strain and persons have not built up immunity to the virus. It is possible that nearly two million people will be hospitalized due to swine flu.

 

“The affiliated centers of Educational First Steps are preparing for the flu season with preventative measures in the centers,” said Merriott J. Terry, President and CEO, Educational First Steps. “Again this year EFS will provide hand sanitizer for every classroom in our affiliated child care centers to help prevent the spreading of potentially very dangerous flu germs.”

 

To help EFS affiliated child care centers prepare for the flu season EFS will provide two trainings for the center directors in September and October covering swine flu preventative measures.

 

In addition the following tips for parents will be distributed by Educational First Steps affiliated centers:

 

  • Stay calm. Preschool children can sense anxiety in their parents, so keep calm and don’t panic.

  • Cover a cough and sneeze. Teach your children how to cover their mouths with the sleeve of their clothing or the crook of their elbows rather then their hands.

  • Practice hand washing at home. Hand washing is a health maintenance tool that is important to prevent all types of illness. Teaching your children the importance of washing hands early will begin a life long healthy habit.

  • Keep your child home if sick. To prevent infecting other children it is recommended that children stay home for seven days from the start of flu symptoms or 24 hours after fever and symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.

  • Keep your child away from sick family members. Family members with suspected flu symptoms should consider wearing a face mask when around children.

     

Educational First Steps is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and availability of early childhood education for economically disadvantaged children between the ages of birth to five. We are an association of professionals and volunteers bound together by a commitment to provide for these children the possibility of a future they would otherwise be denied. To date, we are affiliated with 82 child care centers that serve approximately 4,700 children.