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Prevent The Flu This Season!
10/12/2009 8:00:00 AM
AYSO has received several inquiries from volunteers regarding the upcoming flu season.
We encourage our volunteers and parents to use normal precautions, monitor the situation in their specific community and act in accordance with recommendations or directives issued by their local or state health departments.
We suggest that some practical measures local volunteers and parents can take at this time include: discouraging the sharing of water bottles and beverage cups, choosing individually wrapped snacks rather than communal or unwrapped options and, most importantly, that children experiencing symptoms of any illness should stay home and schedule an appointment with their primary care physician. Coaches should also be extra vigilant at practices and games for players that seem under the weather or are showing any signs of illness (fever, runny nose, coughing, etc.) and encourage them and their parents to go home to get well.
Soccer is a contact sport, so encourage players to wash their hands after the game (and frequent hand washing is a smart practice for children and adults alike to discourage the transmission of illness.) Some leagues are also advising coaches to replace the end of game "high five" or handshake with a nod and a "good game." That decision is left to the best judgment of your coaches or the Region.
AYSO has teamed up with MedImmune, on a national health awareness campaign called “Don’t Play with the Flu.” The campaign reminds families of one key soccer term, G.O.A.L., when thinking about seasonal influenza prevention.
| G | Get an annual seasonal flu vaccine for eligible family members–it’s the single best way to help prevent the flu. |
| O | Options are available. Talk to your doctor about what type of flu vaccinethe shot or the nasal sprayis best for you and your eligible family members. |
| A | Avoid germs and illness. Wash hands often, cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue or arm sleeve, avoid those who are sick, and keep yourself and family members home when sick. |
| L | Lead a healthy lifestyle with plenty of sleep, proper nutrition, frequent exercise, and plenty of liquids. |
For up to date and authoritative information, treatment and prevention of this illness, please visit the following Web site:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
Volunteers outside the U.S. are encouraged to seek similar information from the appropriate national or provincial health officials.
Don't Play with the Flu brochure
