With the 2024-25 school year underway, we want to remind you that we are now in respiratory virus season and are seeing a significant increase in illnesses in our communities and schools. We want to encourage you to take steps to protect your student and your families from respiratory viruses
The Centers for Disease Control has issued the following guidelines to prevent the spread of all respiratory illness. This guidance replaces the COVID-19 isolation guidelines and applies to all common respiratory viruses including, COVID, the flu, the common cold and RSV.
How do I protect my student from getting a respiratory illness?
Encourage good hygiene:
- Wash hands frequently (or sanitize when soap and water are unavailable), cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Vaccination: Keep up to date on all recommended vaccinations for influenza, COVID.
- COVID-19 vaccines are available for people 6 months or older.
- Consult with your healthcare provider regarding vaccines for respiratory illnesses.
Are students required to wear masks or face coverings?
- Masks are optional
What are symptoms of a respiratory illness?
- Fever (100.4 or above) or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
What happens if a student is experiencing symptoms or tests positive for a respiratory illness?
- People with symptoms of a respiratory illness should say home until their symptoms have improved and they have been fever free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
- Seek treatment for respiratory illnesses if you have risk factors for severe illness and are sick.
- Additional precautions:
- People who are recovering from a respiratory illness should consider wearing a mask for 5 additional days when in public spaces
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to help reduce the impact of these viruses on our children, families, and schools.
