Preventing the Flu (transcript)

"Preventing the Flu" is the nineteenth episode of the series "My Continued School Life".
== Episode Information ==
Episode # 	Series 14, Season 1, Episode 19
Previous Episode	"Young Bus Monitor Troubles"
Next Episode 	"Our Special Christmas Tree"
== Description ==
It is flu season in Georgia and Maraya's class learn what the flu is and how to prevent it from happening. They also learn how to wash their hands correctly by humming "Happy Birthday" twice to themselves. Maraya, however, thinks it's not fun to hum the "Happy Birthday" song while washing her hands because it's not her or anyone's birthday, so she decides to skip washing them instead whenever she flushes the toilet, which causes Ms. Sherrit, Novalee, and Ms. Carolyn to teach her a big lesson all about how important it is for her to wash her hands to prevent getting the flu.
== Transcript ==
(The episode starts by taking place outside of the classroom and then zooms into the door where the class is being taught a lesson)
Ms. Sherrit: Class, flu season has just begun a few days ago for us and that's not good.
Class: Oh...
(Camera pans to Erin who's raising her hand)
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): Yes, Erin?
Erin: What's flu season?
Ms. Sherrit: Flu season is a time that lasts from the beginning of October to the end of May, but in Australia, it's the other way around.
(Novalee raises her hand next)
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): Yes, Novalee?
Novalee: What's the flu?
Ms. Sherrit: Influenza, or the flu for short, is kind of like a cold, but worse, like for example, some people can die from having the flu.
Class: (gasps)
Bianca: Why do some people die from having the flu?
Ms. Sherrit: Because of the shortness of breath that they have.
(Ashley raises her hand)
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): Yes, Ashley?
Ashley: Why is Australia's flu season the other way around?
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): Because they live in the eastern hemisphere, Ashley. (she is seen again) You see, we live in the western hemisphere which is a bit cool right now, and the eastern hemisphere is still hot.
Ashley: Oh...
Ms. Sherrit: And class, one way to prevent yourselves from getting the flu is to wash your hands really well while humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice. 
Class (not seen): Oh...
Ms. Sherrit: Do you get it, class?
Class (not seen): Yes, Ms. Sherrit.
(Bell rings)
Ms. Sherrit: Okay, class, it's time to take your break, so have fun and be back in here in six minutes.
(The class walks out of the classroom to take their break)
Maraya (sighs): What a long day. I think I need to go use the bathroom after all that learning.
Novalee: Me, too. I'll go with you, Maraya.
Maraya: Oh, thanks, Novalee.
Novalee: You're welcome.
(Setting changes to the outside of the restrooms and then the scene changes to where they are in the women's restroom)
(Water running, toilet flushing)
Maraya (walking out): See you in class, Novalee.
Novalee: But, Maraya, you forgot to -
(She walks out of the restroom before Novalee finishes her sentence)
Novalee: Wash your hands. (sighs)
(Setting changes to the outside of the hallway and then inside of the classroom)
Maraya: Look, Ms. Sherrit, I made it on time.
Ms. Sherrit: Yeah, you did, and you were also the first one to come back.
Maraya (turns around): Huh? Where is everybody?
Ms. Sherrit: Probably still on their break, I think.
(Camera points to another area of the classroom)
Novalee: Oh, there you are, Maraya.
Maraya: Oh, hi, Novalee.
Novalee: Why did you leave me like that?
Maraya: Uh, I - I was thinking of the chores I have to do today. (chuckles nervously) Yeah.
Novalee: Chores?
Maraya: Yes, chores. They're important to do to help your family.
Novalee: Oh, I see what you mean now, Maraya. (walks away) Come on, let's go back to our seats before class begins again.
Maraya (not seen): Okay, Novalee. 
(After Ms. Sherrit watches the two girls walk back to their seats, she starts to think hard. The scene changes again to where Maraya is at her house later)
Maraya (gasps, whispers while not seen): Dinner's almost ready.
(Camera points back at Maraya)
Maraya (whispers): I better go to the bathroom and get the water running so she'll think I'm washing my hands.
(She tiptoes to the bathroom and shuts the door. Setting changes to the bathroom)
Maraya (whispers): Now to get the water running.
(Water running)
(Meanwhile, it changes back to the hallway)
Lisa: Maraya, it's time to eat.
Maraya (not seen): Okay, mom, I'll be there in a minute. I'm just washing my hands.
Lisa: Good girl.
(She walks away to go back to the kitchen. The scene changes once again to where they are eating dinner)
Lisa: So what did you learn in school today, sweetie?
Maraya: I learned what the flu is and how to prevent it from happening to me.
Lisa: Oh, so that's why you were washing your hands, right?
Maraya: Yep.
Lisa: Well, you must care a lot about not getting sick.
Maraya: I sure do, mom, very much.
Lisa: I'm glad to hear that because I sure don't want anything bad to happen to you.
Maraya: Me, either, mom. Me, either.
(After the setting changes to the outside of Maraya's house, a calendar appears in the middle of the screen until it changes to where she is at school four days later)
Novalee: Ms. Sherrit, Maraya hasn't been washing her hands after using the bathroom lately.
Ms. Sherrit: Is that really?
Novalee: Yes, because every time I remind Maraya to wash her hands, she just won't listen.
Ms. Sherrit: Oh, then that is an issue. Thank you for telling me, Novalee. I'll make sure to report this issue to you and Maraya's bus driver right away after school.
Novalee: Thank you, Ms. Sherrit. I'm sure Maraya will learn a big lesson when we get on her bus.
Ms. Sherrit: She will, and an unforgettable one, too.
(They give each other a high five. Scene changes again to where Maraya is skipping to her bus a few hours later)
Maraya: Ah, I'm glad Friday's over today, and I'm sure Ms. Carolyn will, too. (laughs)
(It changes to the inside of the bus)
Maraya: Hello, Ms. Carolyn, how are you - (gasps)
(Dramatic music)
Maraya: Ms. Carolyn? Novalee? Ms. Sherrit? Why do all of you look so mad?
Ms. Sherrit (mad): Because of what you did in the restroom.
Novalee (mad): Yeah!
Ms. Carolyn (mad): They told me that you hadn't been washing your hands after flushing the toilet, so we're here to teach you a lesson.
Maraya (sighs and gets mad): Well, you know what? All of you being mad at me makes me so mad that I want to yell at you.
(When Ms. Sherrit and Novalee walk up to her, Maraya yells at them)
Maraya (mad): Ms. Sherrit, Novalee, get off my bus.
Novalee: But we want to talk to you, Maraya.
Maraya (mad): I said, "Get off my bus!"
Novalee (sighs): Okay, if you say so.
(As soon as they both get off the bus, Maraya yells more)
Maraya (mad): Yeah, you two better go away and never come back ever again!
Ms. Carolyn: Maraya, that's not nice.
Maraya: But that's what you say when Ms. Sherrit gets on this bus. (sighs) Who even needs lessons?
Ms. Carolyn: You, obviously.
Maraya: Oh, man!
Ms. Carolyn: Don't worry, I'll help you.
Maraya: You will?
Ms. Carolyn: Yes. I'll pick you up at your house tomorrow and we can go out to lunch, just the two of us.
Maraya: Yay, thanks, Ms. Carolyn!
(The scene changes once again to where it is the next day at Maraya's house. Setting changes to the inside of her bedroom)
(Knocks on door)
Maraya: Who is it?
Ms. Carolyn: It's Ms. Carolyn, can I come in?
Maraya: Of course.
Ms. Carolyn: Thank you, Maraya. (shuts the door) So, are you ready to go out to lunch today?
Maraya: Yeah!
Ms. Carolyn: Okay, then let's go.
(She opens the door to let Maraya and herself out. It changes to where they are at the Mexican restaurant)
Waitress: Hello, what can I get you two to drink today?
Ms. Carolyn: A sweet tea, please.
Maraya: And a soda.
Waitress: Okay, a sweet tea and a soda coming right up.
(When the waitress walks away, Maraya sees that there is a basket of chips in front of her)
Maraya: Ooh, chips.
(As soon as she was about to grab a chip from the basket, Ms. Carolyn stops her)
Ms. Carolyn (not seen): Maraya, stop.
Maraya: But why? Don't you want me to eat some chips?
Ms. Carolyn: You can eat some chips after you wash your hands.
Maraya: Aw...
Ms. Carolyn: Remember, Maraya? Flu season's here, which means that we have to wash our hands so we won't get it.
(Camera points at Maraya for a second and then back at Ms. Carolyn)
Ms. Carolyn: Come on, Maraya, follow me.
(Maraya follows Ms. Carolyn away from their table. The scene changes again to where they are in the restroom)
Ms. Carolyn: As you know, Maraya, washing your hands is very easy, especially if you're in a rush. All you have to do is to wet your hands and lather them with soap while humming "Happy Birthday".
Maraya: But it's not my birthday, Ms. Carolyn, or your birthday, either.
Ms. Carolyn: It doesn't matter if it's your birthday or not. If you want a timer, then you should hum "Happy Birthday" twice. Here, I'll show you.
(Water running)
Ms. Carolyn: (humming "Happy Birthday")
(Camera points at Maraya feeling bored while it is happening and then when she is done, it points back at Ms. Carolyn)
Ms. Carolyn: And that's only one time. In order to get your hands really clean, you have to hum the song again.
Maraya: Again?!
Ms. Carolyn (not seen): Yes, again. (hums "Happy Birthday" again)
(Scene changes once again to where she is done washing her hands)
Ms. Carolyn: Okay, now it's your turn, Maraya.
Maraya: No! I don't want to wash my hands.
Ms. Carolyn: Don't you want to get the flu, Maraya?
Maraya: No...
Ms. Carolyn: Then wash your hands.
(She turns on the water)
Ms. Carolyn: Come on, Maraya.
Maraya: I don't want to wash my hands.
Ms. Carolyn: Why not?
Maraya: Because I have to hum that dumb "Happy Birthday" song, and I think it's not fun.
Ms. Carolyn: Of course it's fun, Maraya. Just imagine you're having a party everyday.
Maraya: But, Ms. Carolyn, you only get to celebrate your birthday once a year. You can't celebrate it everyday because every day you celebrate your birthday, you'll be getting older and older until you die.
Ms. Carolyn: You got a point there, Maraya, but that doesn't mean that you should skip washing your hands.
Maraya: So?
Ms. Carolyn: So, you should try to wash your hands.
Maraya: The water's too hot, Ms. Carolyn.
Ms. Carolyn: It won't be too hot.
Maraya: Then that means that it should be too cold.
Ms. Carolyn: It's not too cold, either, Maraya. Trust me, the water will be nice and warm.
(Maraya starts to think)
Ms. Carolyn: I'll buy you some ice cream if you wash your hands.
Maraya: Hmm, nice, warm water and ice cream. (stops thinking) Okay, Ms. Carolyn, I'll wash my hands, just as long as I don't have to hum that silly birthday song.
Ms. Carolyn: You don't have to hum that birthday song, Maraya. I'll hum it for you.
Maraya: All right.
Ms. Carolyn: Now, turn on the water and when you start wetting your hands, I'll start humming.
(Water running)
Ms. Carolyn (hums first part of song): Get some soap.
(Maraya gets some soap and starts to lather it)
Ms. Carolyn (continues humming): Now rinse the soap off.
(She rinses the soap off her hands)
Ms. Carolyn (finishes humming): Now turn off the water and dry your hands.
(After Maraya turns off the water and gets a paper towel, she hums the same song again)
Ms. Carolyn (not seen): (humming "Happy Birthday" again)
(Maraya gets done drying her hands)
Ms. Carolyn: Very good, Maraya. (opens door) Come on, let's go.
(On the way out, Maraya throws away the used paper towel and follows Ms. Carolyn. It changes to where they are sitting at their table with empty plates)
Ms. Carolyn: That was a good lunch.
(The waitress takes up their plates)
Ms. Carolyn: Do you know what happens next, Maraya?
Maraya: No.
Ms. Carolyn: Why, washing your hands again, of course.
(Maraya hits her head with her hand)
Maraya: But didn't we just wash our hands already, Ms. Carolyn?
Ms. Carolyn: Yes, but we have to do it again. Here, come with me.
(She follows her to the restroom again. The scene changes again to where they are in the restroom for the second time)
Ms. Carolyn: It's very important to always wash your hands before eating and after eating.
Maraya: But why?
Ms. Carolyn: To prevent ourselves from getting the flu.
(Water running)
Ms. Carolyn: (hums "Happy Birthday" twice)
(When she is finished, she throws away the used paper towel in the trash can)
Ms. Carolyn: Okay, Maraya, your turn. Let's see what you got from here.
Maraya: All right...
(She turns on the water)
Ms. Carolyn (whispers): Make sure to hum "Happy Birthday" twice, Maraya.
Maraya (mad): Ms. Carolyn, I've already told you that I don't want to hum that silly birthday song.
Ms. Carolyn: Well, if humming the song's not your style of timing yourself, then how about if you can sing it?
Maraya: Sing "Happy Birthday" twice to myself? That's a weird way to time myself when I'm washing my hands.
Ms. Carolyn: Hey, it's not just a weird way to time yourself, but it's a different way, too. Because you have autism, you just need a different way to kill the time because the original way can just be too complicated to understand.
Maraya: Oh...
Ms. Carolyn: I'll make up a song about how important it is to wash your hands.
Maraya: Okay.
Ms. Carolyn: Great. Turn on the water and I'll begin singing.
(She turns on the water)
Ms. Carolyn (singing):🎵Make sure to wash your hands
After you flush the toilet
I know it sounds unfair,
But that's how we all care🎶
Maraya: Wow, Ms. Carolyn, you just sang your very own hand-washing song!
Ms. Carolyn: I sure did, and it's also to the tune of the "Happy Birthday" song.
Maraya (gasps): It's wonderful! Thank you, Ms. Carolyn!
Ms. Carolyn (laughs): Don't get me wet, Maraya! Here, I got you some paper towels.
(Maraya grabs the paper towels out of Ms. Carolyn's hand so she can dry her own hands)
Ms. Carolyn: Great job, Maraya. Now let's go get some ice cream.
Maraya: Yay!
(Ms. Carolyn opens the door to walk out so Maraya can follow her. Scene changes once again to where they are at the ice cream shop)
Ms. Carolyn: Mmm, going out for ice cream after lunch was a great idea after all, Maraya.
Maraya: Yeah, and it was all because I decided to wash my hands.
Ms. Carolyn: And it was also because of my special song, too.
Maraya: Yes, I can't wait to show all my friends of what I've learned on Monday.
Both: (laughing)
(Scene changes to where Maraya gets on the bus two days later)
(Bus doors open)
Ms. Carolyn: Good morning, Maraya.
Maraya: Good morning, Ms. Carolyn.
(After the doors shut, it drives away. Meanwhile, Ms. Carolyn sneezes)
Ms. Carolyn (sniffs): Ahhhh-choo!
Maraya (gasps): Was that you sneezing, Ms. Carolyn?
Ms. Carolyn (sniffs): Yes.
Maraya: Oh, no! I think you have the flu!
Ms. Carolyn: No, I don't, Maraya. We bus drivers never get sick. (sneezes) Achoo!
Maraya: Well, you're wrong. All of us get sick sometimes, even you.
Ms. Carolyn: Not me! (coughs)
(Camera pans to Maraya, who feels worried. The scene changes again to where they are at the bus loading zone)
Maraya: Bye, Ms. Carolyn!
Ms. Carolyn: Bye, Maraya! (coughs)
(Doors shut)
Ms. Carolyn: (coughs again)
(Ms. Brenda walks by her to feel her forehead)
Ms. Brenda (gasps): Carolyn, your head is hot. I think you have a temperature.
Ms. Carolyn: Nonsense! It's probably because this bus has warmed up too much. Let me just turn down the heat.
(After she turns it off, she sneezes again)
Ms. Carolyn: Achoo!
Ms. Brenda: See, Carolyn? You just sneezed again! You probably got a case of the flu.
Ms. Carolyn: No, I don't, cause like I said to Maraya, bus drivers never get sick. (coughs)
Ms. Brenda: Carolyn, you have a fever, sneezing, and a cough, so that means all those symptoms are common symptoms of the flu.
Ms. Carolyn (coughs): Okay, Brenda, you win. Yes, I am sick and I have the flu.
Ms. Brenda (sighs): I knew it. Carolyn, when you get home, you're going to go to bed and get some rest.
Ms. Carolyn: Okay, Brenda. (sighs)
(Scene changes once again to where Ms. Carolyn is in bed with a thermometer in her mouth)
Mr. Danny: As I thought. Carolyn, you have a fever.
Ms. Carolyn: I know, and worst of all, I have the flu!
Mr. Danny: I know you do. Now, get some rest. Call me if you need anything.
Ms. Carolyn (not seen): Okay!
(Door shuts)
Ms. Carolyn: (yawns)
(When she falls asleep, the scene zooms out of the bedroom. Meanwhile, it changes to where Maraya is in class)
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): Maraya, do you need to use the restroom before we go to get our flu shots?
Maraya (gets up): Yes, Ms. Sherrit.
Ms. Sherrit: Okay, go ahead, Maraya, and remember.
Maraya (turns around): I know, wash my hands after flushing the toilet.
Ms. Sherrit: Good job remembering, Maraya. Be back in about two to three minutes.
Maraya: Okay.
(Door opens and shuts)
(Setting changes to the outside of the classroom as she walks to the restroom)
Maraya: Okay, Maraya, remember to wash your hands after flushing the toilet so you won't get the flu. Got it.
(The scene changes again to where the class is still waiting for Maraya)
(Clock ticking)
Ms. Sherrit: Hmm, Maraya's been taking a long time in the restroom.
Novalee: I know, and I need to go really badly. May I go to the restroom, please, Ms. Sherrit?
Ms. Sherrit (not seen): All right, Novalee, I'll let you go, but be sure to check on Maraya and ask her if she's coming.
Novalee (gets up): Okey-dokey, Ms. Sherrit.
(Novalee walks out of the classroom to go check on Maraya. Setting changes to the outside of the classroom)
Novalee: I wonder if Maraya's okay in the restroom. Well, there's only one way to find out.
Maraya (not seen, singing):🎵Mi, mi, mi, mi!🎵
Novalee: What was that?
Maraya (not seen, singing):🎵Make sure to wash your hands
After you flush the toilet
I know it sounds unfair,
But that's how we all care🎶
Novalee: Maraya?
Maraya (turns around): Oh, hi, Novalee.
Novalee: Was that you singing?
Maraya: Yeah, it was me. I was singing a special hand-washing song that is to the tune of "Happy Birthday".
Novalee: Wow, can you teach me the song?
Maraya: Of course. I'll teach it to you and the others later.
Novalee: All right!
(They give each other a high five. It changes once again to where they are in the cafeteria getting their flu shots)
Nurse Linda: Great job, Novalee. Okay, Maraya, you're next.
(Maraya sits in the chair across from Nurse Linda)
Nurse Linda: Hello, Maraya, how have you been doing?
Maraya: Good, except for one little thing.
Nurse Linda: And what is that?
Maraya: My bus driver friend. Ms. Carolyn, has a case of the flu and it makes me feel bad.
Nurse Linda: Why, that is bad. Well, let me give you this flu shot and then you'll be free.
Maraya: Yeah, I can do it for Ms. Carolyn.
Nurse Linda (not seen): Yes.
(She gives Maraya the flu shot)
Nurse Linda (not seen): Well done, Maraya. You were very brave this year.
Maraya: Thank you, Nurse Linda.
(She gets up from the chair and stands where Novalee was)
Novalee: That was great, Maraya.
Maraya: Thanks, Novalee. The same goes to you.
Novalee: Thank you, Maraya.
Maraya: And by the way, I got an idea for our next field trip. We can all go to Ms. Carolyn's house and visit her.
Novalee: Great idea, Maraya.
Maraya (raises hand): Ms. Sherrit, after the flu shots, can we all go on a field trip to Ms. Carolyn's house and visit her?
Ms. Sherrit: Well, I don't see why not.
Maraya: Yay! Thank you, Ms. Sherrit!
(The scene changes to where they are walking to get on the bus)
Ms. Cheryl: Hello, everyone. Where would we be going today?
(Maraya sits down with Novalee)
Maraya: Ms. Carolyn's house, please.
Ms. Cheryl: Okay, then to Ms. Carolyn's house we go!
(She cranks up the bus so she can drive away from the school. The scene changes again to where they are at Ms. Carolyn's house)
Ms. Cheryl (not seen): Okay, here we are. See you all later.
Students: Bye, Ms. Cheryl!
(The students follow Ms. Sherrit to the front door of the house. Setting changes to the inside of it)
(Doorbell rings)
Mr. Danny: Oh, hello.
Others: Hello!
Maraya: Hello, Mr. Danny. We came to see Ms. Carolyn because we heard that she's sick.
Mr. Danny: Well, you came at the right time. Follow me.
Maraya: Wait, Mr. Danny, we have to wash our hands first.
Ms. Sherrit: Good job remembering again, Maraya. You should always wash your hands before visiting someone sick.
Mr. Danny: Kids, follow me to the bathroom. We're all going to go wash our hands.
(The students follow him to the bathroom. Scene changes once again to where they are all in the bathroom)
Mr. Danny: Good job washing your hands, kids. Now let's all go visit Carolyn.
(Ms. Sherrit and the students follow Mr. Danny upstairs to their bedroom. The setting changes again to the bedroom)
(Knocks on door)
Mr. Danny: Carolyn, you have some visitors who want to see you. Kids, come in and see Carolyn.
(The whole class comes in to the bedroom to visit Ms. Carolyn)
Ms. Carolyn: Ah, Maraya, you're here, and I see that you brought your whole class with you.
Maraya: I did, and we all washed our hands before we saw you.
Ms. Carolyn: Oh, good. Did you ever teach your class my special hand-washing song?
Maraya: Uh, no, I never did.
(Ms. Cheryl walks in)
Ms. Cheryl: I'm here!
Ms. Carolyn: Ah, Cheryl, you're here just in time. Maraya was about to teach everyone else the special hand-washing song that I made up. Maraya, sing it away.
Maraya: Okay. (clears throat) Ahem. (starts singing) 🎵Make sure to wash your hands
After you flush the toilet
I know it sounds unfair,
But that's how we all care🎶
Others: (cheering and applauding)
Ms. Sherrit: That was great, Maraya.
Ms. Carolyn: Yes, it was, great job.
Maraya: Thanks, Ms. Carolyn. By the way, we got to go. We just wanted to see how you were doing.
Ms. Carolyn: Okay, goodbye, Maraya!
Maraya: Goodbye, Ms. Carolyn. Get well soon!
Others: Get well soon, Ms. Carolyn!
(Door shuts)
(The setting changes to the outside of her house)
Ms. Sherrit: That was a great idea to teach us a different way to kill the time when washing our hands, Maraya.
Novalee: Yeah, you think of the best ideas ever!
Ms. Cheryl: By the way, let's all get on the bus and sing on the way back to school.
Students: Yay!
(After everyone gets on the bus, the bus is heard cranked up and it drives away from Ms. Carolyn's house. Then the scene fades out to an end)
== Characters ==
* Maraya 
* Novalee
* Ms. Carolyn
* Erin
* Ashley
* Jalen
* Jamarcus
* James
* Emily
* Anna
* Tori
* Nick
* Akeerie
* Bianca
* Ms. Sherrit
* Ms. Brenda
* Mr. Danny
* Lisa
* Waitress
* Nurse Linda
* Ms. Cheryl
== Trivia ==
* This is the first appearance of the previous series' character Nurse Linda.
* There are no non-speaking characters in this episode.
* Almost all of Ms. Sherrit's students (except Maraya and Novalee), Ms. Brenda, Mr. Danny, Lisa, Nurse Linda, Ms. Cheryl, and the waitress doesn't speak very much in this episode.
* This is the first episode where Ms. Cheryl spoke solo in this series.
* This is the first time Ms. Carolyn got sick in this series.
* This episode is very similar to the previous series' episode "Get Well Soon, Maraya!", except that Ms. Carolyn was sick instead of her and Maraya had to visit her with her class.
* This episode was released during flu season to teach the viewers how to prevent themselves from having the flu.
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Category:My Continued School Life (Season 1)