The Obama administration submitted an emergency war-spending bill this week, which includes flu prevention funds.

The White House sent a letter to every public school superintendent that outlines how to cope with expected increases in outbreaks of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) this fall. The letter was co-authored by Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, and Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius. The purpose of the letter urges local school officials to spend this summer developing better policies for handwashing, food service, sick students, and other health safety issues.

The letter reads: “Our hope is that the summer months can be used to develop and share a coordinated public health strategy that aims to protect our children and families and minimize disruptions.”

Handwashing is the primary means to stop the spread of the H1N1 virus, along with many other infectious diseases. Increasing handwashing compliance in schools can be accomplished with informing teachers and students on why it is important, having posters or other media around to influence behavior, and to stress handwashing to teachers (monkey see, monkey do).