Spread the word not the germ: Keep your community flu-free

Abstract

ISSUE: Healthy children and adults are at risk for influenza. This is particularly true for school-aged children and older adults. In one study, children aged 5 to 14 were approximately four times more likely than adults to get influenza and to spread the virus to others in their homes and communities. Despite awareness of the importance of hand hygiene in minimizing the spread of infection, compliance remains universally low. This autumn, when the flu vaccine supply was limited, the infection control department decided to offer a respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene awareness campaign. A poster contest was initiated in anticipation of increasing awareness. PROJECT: The goal was to encourage children and adults to develop healthier habits and understand the importance of respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene as ways to prevent the spread of infection. Local primary and elementary schools along with healthcare workers were targeted. Education on techniques for respiratory etiquette related to decreasing the spread of infection was stressed. An interactive presentation using “glow germ” along with an ultraviolet light, demonstrated visualization of the “germs,” emphasizing the importance of proper handwashing. The children's hands were also cultured; they were astonished at the outcome. School children were invited to draw a poster of how “I Get Rid of Bad Germs that Make Me Sick.” They were encouraged to do the posters at home to communicate the importance of handwashing and covering your cough to family members. Health system staff entered posters emphasizing hand hygiene importance. Prizes were awarded to the top ten posters in the schools and to one in the health system; there were over 300 submissions. A mascot, “Henry the Hand,” awarded the winning posters. RESULTS: The program was well received within the community and the health system, with many positive comments. It was evident from poster information that learning had taken place. Staff illness related to flu and community outbreaks were monitored. At this time no clusters of flu in staff or community outbreaks have been reported. LESSONS LEARNED: Simple measures such as “covering your cough” and handwashing can help keep your community flu-free. Partnering with the community to provide basic infection control measures is effective in helping to “Spread the Word, Not the Germ.” ISSUE: Healthy children and adults are at risk for influenza. This is particularly true for school-aged children and older adults. In one study, children aged 5 to 14 were approximately four times more likely than adults to get influenza and to spread the virus to others in their homes and communities. Despite awareness of the importance of hand hygiene in minimizing the spread of infection, compliance remains universally low. This autumn, when the flu vaccine supply was limited, the infection control department decided to offer a respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene awareness campaign. A poster contest was initiated in anticipation of increasing awareness. PROJECT: The goal was to encourage children and adults to develop healthier habits and understand the importance of respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene as ways to prevent the spread of infection. Local primary and elementary schools along with healthcare workers were targeted. Education on techniques for respiratory etiquette related to decreasing the spread of infection was stressed. An interactive presentation using “glow germ” along with an ultraviolet light, demonstrated visualization of the “germs,” emphasizing the importance of proper handwashing. The children's hands were also cultured; they were astonished at the outcome. School children were invited to draw a poster of how “I Get Rid of Bad Germs that Make Me Sick.” They were encouraged to do the posters at home to communicate the importance of handwashing and covering your cough to family members. Health system staff entered posters emphasizing hand hygiene importance. Prizes were awarded to the top ten posters in the schools and to one in the health system; there were over 300 submissions. A mascot, “Henry the Hand,” awarded the winning posters. RESULTS: The program was well received within the community and the health system, with many positive comments. It was evident from poster information that learning had taken place. Staff illness related to flu and community outbreaks were monitored. At this time no clusters of flu in staff or community outbreaks have been reported. LESSONS LEARNED: Simple measures such as “covering your cough” and handwashing can help keep your community flu-free. Partnering with the community to provide basic infection control measures is effective in helping to “Spread the Word, Not the Germ.”