It’s that time of year again when kids everywhere are coming down with coughs and fevers. Luckily, there are a few tricks for you  to try that will help keep that flu away!

Wait, what exactly is the flu?

The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious virus that is usually spread through the air by coughs and sneezes.

Ask a parent to take your temperature if you are feeling chills, coughing, or suffering from a sore throat.

Children are more likely to catch and spread the virus, so here are some ways you can stop the flu from spreading at your home, your school, and everywhere you go!

#1 – Wash your hands for 20 seconds

Washing your hands doesn’t have to be boring though! Think of some songs to sing while washing your hands, such as tunes you heard on the radio or some old favorites, including:

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

“The Alphabet Song”

“Yankee Doodle”

“Mary Had a Little Lamb” (two times)

“Row Row Row Your Boat” (two times)

Dance at the sink to make washing your hands even more fun! Don’t forget to use soap, and warm water if you can.

#2 – Cover your mouth when you sneeze

Sneeze onto your elbow, not your hand though! Remember, when you cough or sneeze, tiny flu particles are traveling out of your mouth. You use your hands for so many things though, like playing games and making crafts, that those flu particles can spread everywhere.

If you forget and sneeze in your hands, it’s okay—just remember to quickly wash your hands right afterward.

#3 – Stay home if you do get sick

If you do get sick, it’s best to stay home from school and away from friends’ houses. That way you make sure your friends and classmates don’t get sick too. Have a parent take your temperature and make sure you don’t go back to school until 24 hours after your fever is gone without taking medicine.