I’ve become a bit addicted to flu updates over the last several months. As a part of my job I have stay on top of any updates or changes to the flu information, so I know the most up-to-date information that’s out there when I speak to the community.

Needless to say, there’s not a lot in the flu arena these days that excites me. Don’t get me wrong, there is lots of really good information, but reading articles about the flu and how to avoid getting it gets a little dry after a while. Recently though, on my daily visit to flu.gov I found something that got me really excited. It’s an episode of Sid the Science Kid all about the flu. I wasn’t familiar with Sid before I saw this, I don’t have any kids, nieces, nephews, etc., but Sid is a riot. In the special  episode called Getting a Shot: You Can Do It! there is a virus wearing a chef’s hat, a rocking nurse grandma, vaci-zations (or something like that), lots of fun colors and you learn a lot too! I was definitely sitting at my desk laughing.

I’m not the only one excited about it either. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said, "Sid will be a great messenger as we continue to find new and creative ways to reach out to children, adults, and families about how to stay healthy during flu season."

If your kids are scared of getting their vaccinations or even just as a fun flu refresher Sid is a great reminders. He can even help them learn a song they can sing all the way to the doctor! “It might hurt a little bit, but it will help a whole lot!”

PBS is going to be running the episode again on December 21 or you can stream or download it for free at flu.gov.

Elena Sabin is the community disaster education specialist for the St. Louis Area Chapter.