BURRILLVILLE – The latest coloring cartoon in a public safety series comes at the start of the annual flu and cold season in Rhode Island.
It arrives as the region copes with another virus on top of the regular strains faced annually in the Ocean State: COVID-19.
While there is no vaccine for COVID-19 as of yet, Rhode Islanders can still prevent many other flu viruses from entering their lives during the winter months. Many in the state will likely become sick at some point during the pandemic crisis.
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent the flu virus and every family should take the steps needed to insure that they are preventing the spread of the flu and colds to others, according to health officials.
With three important kids and family flu prevention safety tips provided by Dr. James McDonald, a pediatrician in the state of Rhode Island and medical director with the Rhode Island Department of Health, a brand new Just For Kids Coloring Cartoon that targets flu prevention and getting flu vaccinations has been developed.
The Kids Coloring Cartoon also conveys the importance of wearing protective face masks, staying six feet apart and washing your hands often to stop the spread of any flu Virus and COVID-19. The cartoon was also created to help reduce fears children face going to visit the doctor’s office, family clinic and hospital to receive flu vaccinations.
With the holidays quickly approaching and family gatherings inevitable, some believe these preventive messages are more important now than ever before.
Readers are invited to print the cartoons and help spread awareness – not diseases –in the family environment. Parents can talk with their kids about the messages featured while coloring and communicating together.
Jim Weicherding is a Burrillville-based artist and safety advocate.
