It is part of the new public health campaign by the City of Wolverhampton Council and the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and the award winning team behind the popular Flu Fighters series.
The exciting Bug Busters storybook and animation, available below, show children some of the things they can do to protect themselves against viruses which circulate each winter, including the common cold, flu and norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.
Free copies of the book are being given to children through the city’s primary schools and can also be found, along with the animation and a wide range of useful information and resources for parents, carers and teachers, on the new Bug Busters website.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "This campaign is all about helping children understand some of the bugs that they may come across this winter, and show them the things they could do to help protect themselves and others.
"We hope children will enjoy the exciting exploits of the Bug Busters, as our heroes come to the rescue of 3 youngsters who have been laid low by the common cold, the flu and norovirus – and send the viruses packing!"
She added: "Viruses are usually spread between people through airborne droplets, like coughs and sneezes, which release droplets containing the virus into the air. They can also be passed on through close contact, or by touching infected surfaces.
"To help stop the spread of viruses this winter, we're encouraging parents to ensure children wash their hands before they eat or drink, after they have been to the toilet or when they sneeze or blow their nose, and that they are up to date with their vaccinations, including the free flu vaccination which is being offered to all children this autumn.
"Children with norovirus or suspected norovirus should stay off school for 2 days after their symptoms have gone, and if they have respiratory illnesses like flu or Covid-19 they should remain home if they are unwell, and only go back to school once they no longer have a high temperature and are feeling better."
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Good hand hygiene is fundamental in preventing the spread of unpleasant winter illnesses such as colds, flu and stomach bugs, and is simple and easy to do.
“Washing your hands regularly with antibacterial soap removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to objects and other people, especially more vulnerable members of the community.
“Together, if we all follow good hand hygiene, we can help reduce the spread of infections.”
To find out more, please visit Bugbusters, where you will find lots of helpful information about a wide range of childhood infections, how to prevent them from spreading and on the importance of vaccinations such as flu, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and HPV (human papillomavirus).
