Lessons in cold and flu hygiene not to be sneezed at

Eric Chang, 5, of Royal Oak Primary, lets fly with a practice sneeze. Picture / Richard Robinson

Primary schoolchildren all over the country are being taught how to sneeze properly.

New entrants' classes of primary schools yesterday were inducted into the SneezeSafe initiative, which encourages children to learn about hygiene and how to limit the spread of cold and flu viruses.

Respiratory infections including influenza can be serious. Last winter three young people died and 528 people were taken to hospital with flu-related illness, the second-highest since 1990.

Independent virologist and consultant to the World Health Organisation, Dr Lance Jennings, welcomed simple cold and flu hygiene education among the most at-risk group.

The under-5s are most susceptible to respiratory illness in winter, suffering on average 4.4 bouts of cold or flu-related illness each year.

The project, sponsored by a tissue manufacturer, involves a short, hands-on class activity where children are taught simple steps in safe-sneezing.

Dr Jennings said the best place for live cold and flu virus particles is in the rubbish bin, safely trapped inside a virucidal tissue or washed from hands with soap and water.

There are, however, situations where the surprise nature of a sneeze makes the ideal response difficult. For the surprise dry sneeze, or when children have their hands full painting, writing or eating, they are encouraged to use the elbow technique.

Dr Jennings said while some health professionals might oppose the idea of live cold and flu virus particles being trapped on sleeves, the particles are less viable on a soft cloth surface than on a firm surface and in the air.

"Live cold and flu virus particles are better on your child's sleeve than all over someone else's lunch box."

All 5800 New Zealand pre-schools and primary schools are receiving teaching materials, and a website, sneezesafe, is up and running.

Safe sneezing

* Into a tissue
The safest way to trap cold and flu viruses.

* Into cupped hands
The second-best way to trap a sneeze, but hands should be washed directly afterwards.

* Into the crook of the elbow
Third-safest, and mainly for surprise dry sneezes when the hands are engaged.