Colds and Flu
Background Information & Activities

© 1999-2012 BrainPOP. All rights reserved.

Most kids come down with a cold or the flu at some point during the year. This movie will teach about colds and the flu and identify some common symptoms. The movie will also explore ways to prevent the spread of the cold and influenza viruses through good hygiene practices.

Explain to children that a cold is an illness caused by a virus. Influenza, or the flu, is caused by a different family of viruses. A virus is an infectious agent that can replicate only inside living organisms. You may wish to watch BrainPOP's movie on Viruses for an overview of how viruses work. Children should understand that the cold or flu virus gets into the body and spreads, and the body works to fight off the virus. Remind children that the parts of the body that find and kill germs and protect against illnesses make up the immune system. As the immune system does its job, the person might feel a little sick.

Review with children that a symptom is a change in the body caused by an illness. Invite children to explain how they feel when they have a cold. What changes do they see or feel in their bodies? Cold or flu symptoms include coughing, sneezing, or sore throats. People might feel congested and get a runny or stuffed-up nose. Their eyes might water and they may get mild headaches or muscle soreness. Sometimes people get the chills and feel cold, or they feel warm and get sweaty. Explain to children that a fever is a rise in temperature of the body that is actually helpful, not dangerous the way many people think. The body raises its temperature to help kill off the viruses. It's a sign that the body's immune system is hard at work. The symptoms of the flu and cold are similar, but flu symptoms tend to be more severe and may require a visit to the doctor.

What should you do when you have a cold or the flu? Have children brainstorm ideas. Emphasize that it's important to get plenty of rest. The body needs to conserve its energy to fight off the virus. People should drink plenty of fluids to help replace water lost by the extra work the body does to combat the infection. Some people may lose their appetites when they catch a cold, but it's important to eat and supply fuel for the body. Soup can soothe a sore throat, and warm baths or showers can help loosen up congested chests. Some people need medicine to help relieve symptoms temporarily. It is important for children to understand that they should always ask a trusted adult before taking medicine and follow directions carefully. Different medicines are taken in different ways. You may wish to share the Medicine movie for more information. Most people recover from colds after a few days or a week. If symptoms persist much longer or increase in severity, a doctor should be notified.

Many children might notice that when one person in class gets a cold, other students catch it. Explain that a cold or flu is contagious, which means it can spread from one person to another. However, people can prevent the spread of illnesses. Germs can spread in several ways. When someone sneezes, tiny water droplets containing germs float into the air and can be inhaled by anyone nearby. Thus, people should always cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough. This prevents germs from spreading to others nearby. They should use a tissue or they can use the crook of their arms. They should avoid using their hands to cover their sneezes and coughs because germs can also spread by touch. This can increase the spread of illnesses if and when they touch something else. Likewise, children should use tissues to blow or wipe their noses, not their hands. Whether kids are sick or not, they should be sure to wash their hands with soap and warm water to kill germs. You may wish to screen the Washing Hands movie to review proper techniques.

Colds are the most contagious for a few days after the initial symptoms. If children feel sick, they should rest at home to prevent the cold from spreading to others. If they feel sick at school, they should tell the teacher immediately and visit the school nurse. Encourage children to practice healthy habits and promote good hygiene. Help them realize how their actions can affect the health of those around them.

See more lesson plans and resources: BrainPOP Educators.

Colds and Flu Teacher Activities

© 1999-2012 BrainPOP. All rights reserved.

Virus Tag

Demonstrate how a virus can spread with a game of tag! Choose one student to be "it" and carry nametags or index cards that say "virus". He or she can "spread" the virus by tagging other students and giving them nametags. Then, those who are tagged can tag other students and so on. Once everyone has been tagged, facilitate a group discussion about ways to fight an illness and feel better once you're sick. Record students' ideas on blank index cards. Then hide (or have a student hide) the cards in well-hidden spots around your classroom or playground. Students can trade in their virus nametags for the cards as they find them. After the activity, discuss what happened. How quickly did the virus spread? Which was harder, getting the virus or fighting it off? How can you take care of your body and prevent yourself from getting sick?

Get Well

When someone at school is out sick with a cold, have students write get well cards. They may want to share ways to feel better, such as getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids. They may want to share a joke or write stories to lift the person's spirits or even share a recipe for soup or other home remedy. Encourage students to be creative! If possible, deliver the get well cards to the sick student, or save them for when he or she returns.

Colds and Flu Family Activities

© 1999-2012 BrainPOP. All rights reserved.

Doctor

Have your child pretend that he or she is a doctor and you are a patient with a cold. What advice can the doctor give to the patient? What is a good way to soothe a sore throat or aching muscles? What can you do to relieve congestion? Have the doctor write a list of tips and prescribe them to the patient.

Body Temperature

Explain to your child that the average body temperature for humans is 98.6°F or 37°C. But, not all animals have the same body temperatures. Together, research to find out the average body temperatures of different birds and mammals. What is the average body temperature of an elephant? A hummingbird? The results may surprise you! You may want to explore how cold-blooded animals use the environment to regulate their body temperatures.