Woodside School District

 

We continue to hear that cases of the flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are appearing at higher levels than normal for this time of year, and there is concern about their continued presence throughout the coming months. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults, and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of one in the United States. While the flu hasn’t taken the county by storm, that is not the case in other parts of the state or country, so we could be next. Again, the best option to protect yourself is with the flu vaccine. It takes two weeks after being immunized to be fully protected. The vaccine only keeps you fully protected for about one year, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year.

 

COVID, the flu, and RSV are all respiratory illnesses that can be transmitted in similar ways. Therefore, the measures that offer protection for one illness, offer protection for the others as well. First, get tested for COVID-19 if you develop viral symptoms, such as a cough and fever, and if positive, isolate for 5-10 days. If you don’t have COVID, stay home with a fever and wear a mask as long as you are symptomatic to protect others. Wearing a mask in crowded spaces, washing your hands, and promoting good ventilation are all additional ways to protect yourself from these viruses.

 

At Woodside School, we are experiencing a higher than usual rate of absenteeism due to illness in the last week so that nasty bug is in our midst.  We continue to take precautions by sanitizing hard surfaces daily, and encouraging hand washing and sanitizing for the children (and staff).  As we prepare to go into our Thanksgiving Week break we will be sending home COVID tests next week for your use before returning after the break.