Day care centers guard against the flu

TULSA - Area daycare centers are doing their part to make sure kids stay healthy and flu free.

Twenty children have died from the flu this season nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At Buttons and Bows daycare in Sand Springs, staff members disinfect toys and table tops multiple times throughout the day.

"We do this on a daily basis, not only at flu season but throughout the whole year," said the daycare's owner, Betty McCoy.

McCoy said she also emphasizes hand washing for children and staff.

McCoy said the daycare has stayed clear of any outbreaks.

It's the same story at TCC's Child Development Center in West Tulsa.

"We also do a lot of cleaning and sanitizing," said the center's director, Sherry Averill. "Hand washing is very important."

Averill said there have been no outbreaks of the flu at the child center this season.

Averill said teaching safe practices is the key to staying flu free.

"I just think that educating the parents and the children is the best avenue," said Averill.

Daycare providers 2News spoke to said if a child becomes sick, they ask parents to keep the child at home until the illness passes.