Muppet Elmo Joins H1N1 Fight

The original Sesame Street generation is in their late 30s and 40s now, there are still millions of younger Sesame Street fans around the world, watching the muppets’ antics and listening to their stories and songs in several different languages. So, considering how popular the franchise is, it’s no wonder that one of Sesame Street’s most popular muppets, Elmo, has been recruited to help children learn more about staying healthy amidst the H1N1 influenza phase.

All parents have gone through the handwashing thing with their children at some point. Some children learn it well and do it, others pay lip service and just run their hands under the water to make them look wet. But, if someone as influential as Elmo tells them how to wash their hands, the little ones may pay a bit more attention. After all,  who’s more interesting and fun – Mom or Dad, or a red, giggly, furry friend with a funny name?

Would any other character have done? Cookie Monster is cute, but he’s got awful manners. Kermit doesn’t seem as popular among the youngest crowd and Miss Piggy, well, don’t forget – people still call this virus the Swine flu. Maybe not the poster child for this particular time. Ernie and Bert seem to have lost their popularity too, although many older generation Sesame Streeters remember them fondly.

So, what do you think? Will having Elmo sing songs about washing your hands and reminding you go sneeze in your elbow have any effect on the children?

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Image: ZumaPress.com