Elmo pitches in to help combat H1N1

Three cabinet offices – the Departments of Homeland Security, Education, and Health and Human Services -- have allied to fight the H1N1 virus, and they’ve recruited Elmo the Muppet to help.

Elmo and other Sesame Street characters have filmed a series of public service announcements to help stop the spread of the flu, both the standard viral batches and the new H1N1 variant. The PSAs are available at www.flu.gov, timed for the colder-weather and back-to-school season.

None of the suggestions are new, or exclusive to H1N1. But they bear repeating, and they work.

• Keep your distance from people who are sick.
• Stay home from work if you can if you’re sick. Keep your kids home from school if they’re sick.
• if you have to sneeze, do so into the crook of your arm or your hand.
• Wash your hands often, especially after sneezing or coughing.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If a child is infected with H1N1, the World Health Organization recommends treatment of serious cases with the antiviral ostelamivir. More recommendations on H1N1 treatment are available at its web site.