Viruses like the seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 virus can spread fast in schools. Here are some tips for parents and teachers to help keep their teens in school so they do not miss out on exciting things in their lives:

• After You Hi-Five, Wash Your Hands: In order to kill germs, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after any activity that involves others (like sports practice, play practice or school dances).
• Disinfecting 101: It is important that frequently touched surfaces in the classroom and home and items you share with your friends—like desks, cell phones, light switches and MP3 players—are disinfected as directed.
• Share the Scoop. Not Your Sneeze: Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs from touch. Encourage students to do the same.
• The Health Teacher Is Right: Eat right (especially foods with lots of vitamin C), exercise, dress warmly when it’s cold, and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of colds, the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.

Win a visit from Danny Gokey to a school near you

For the second year in a row, American Idol contestants almost missed out after being hit with the flu. That is why The Clorox Company is partnering with former American Idol finalist Danny Gokey on a new flu prevention video contest that lets teens put their spin on flu prevention, so they don’t miss out on important moments in their lives. Clorox is calling on teens nationwide to create a video performance of Berklee College of Music student Will Wells about what they would not want to miss out on if they were out sick and why prevention steps are important.

For each video submitted, The Clorox Company will also donate $100 (up to $10,000) to the Sophia’s Heart Foundation, a charity founded by Gokey in honor of his late wife, Sophia. The charity is dedicated to helping children achieve academic success via musical training, in addition to restoring musical dreams in children.

Learn more about the contest rules

You are exiting the www.clorox.com website. The Clorox Company is not responsible for the content or data collection of that independent site.

For the first 100 groups to submit, the teacher will receive a wellness package featuring disinfecting wipes to help their school disinfect frequently touched surfaces to help prevent the spread of germs. (One per school).

Get more tips for parents, teachers and students

Watch out for Danny’s debut album “My Best Days” due out in early March.