Schools are beginning to teach children at a young age about the importance of health and the threat of the H1N1 virus.

While Secretary Lanier Cansler spoke with kids at the Mayview Community and Learning Center as part of the United We Serve volunteer effort, school officials in Chatham County began using a poster campaign demonstrating how children can prevent spreading the virus by washing their hands and sneezing into their arm.

Cansler says he hopes that educating the students will help the overall well being of their school communities and families.

"Children learn the right things and they go home and tell their parents," Cansler said. "So educating children is a great way to spread the word and do the right thing in respect to the flu."

In addition to educating the students, Chatham County will begin to educate principals and teachers about the warning signs of the virus. If students have a temperature more than 100 degrees, they will be sent home.

George Greger-Holt, director of student services in Chatham County, says the district is working with the health department to offer the traditional flu vaccine immediately and the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is approved.

"Any flu virus transmits easily with folks especially youngsters because they are not as diligent about washing their hands. We are especially interesting in having youngster learn sanitation techniques," Greger-Holt said.

Cansler says he plans to continue the education session with students around the Triangle.