The CDC notes that people spread the flu virus by coughing, sneezing or even talking. Additionally, it's possible to contract the flu by touching a surface that an infected person came in close contact with or sneezed on. Help your preschoolers to understand how the flu spreads by catching them when they cough or sneeze and explaining that these actions can propel the virus into the air and into someone else's nose or mouth.
If you are looking for a more concrete activity, show the kids how easy it is to spread "germs" by touching different surfaces. Have the children coat their finger tips in flour -- pretending that the flour particles are the fly virus -- and walk around the classroom, touching surfaces. They can see how the "germs" get left behind, and that touching the virus-filled surface means that someone else can pick them up.
Hand washing is one way that kids can protect themselves from, or at least reduce the risk of, getting the flu. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you follow simple rules including using liquid or bar soap, wetting and rinsing your hands with warm water, and rubbing your hands together for a minimum of 20 seconds while washing. Remind your young students that washing their hands after sneezing, coughing or eating can help to stop the spread of the flu. If the preschoolers are struggling to wash for long enough, encourage them to sing a simple song such as "Happy Birthday" two times or use an egg timer.
Reading picture books to your preschoolers about the flu can help them better understand how the virus spreads and what happens if they get sick. For example, "Farm Flu" by Teresa Bateman features a tale of animals that fall ill with the flu and the little boy who cares for them. Another animal-themed option is E.S. Redmond's "Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo," which is about a little girl who spreads her flu around the zoo by wiping her nose with her hand. Pint-sized preschool paleontologists may also enjoy "How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague.
Take your flu virus lessons to the pretend play or housekeeping area. Preschoolers can explore how they get sick and act when they have the flu by developing dramatic scenarios such as a mom and dad treating a sick kid at home or visiting the doctor's office. The kids can pick their own roles, use props such as a mock thermometer, and even dress up in a doctor's lab coat while they are learning about sickness and the spread of germs.