East Alameda News

This cold and flu season has been especially hard on families with the triple threat of the influenza virus or flu, respiratory syncytial virus (better known as RSV), and COVID-19. There has been a rise in RSV infections and health officials are warning the flu may be more severe for a longer period of time this year. 

As a reminder, please do not send your student to school if they are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of a virus. Staying home when sick will be a great benefit for the health and wellness of our students and staff. Here are some tips from the CDPH on staying healthy this winter:

• Stay Home if You're Sick!

• It's crucial to stay home if you are feeling ill. Avoid close contact with others to protect them, and take the time you need to heal. This is especially important for respiratory viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19, which can lead to more severe illness.

• Wash Your Hands

• Frequent handwashing, with soap and warm water – for at least 20 seconds, is an easy and very effective way to prevent getting sick and spreading germs.

• Cover Your Cough or Sneeze

• Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of winter viruses. Just make sure to wash your hands or sanitize and dispose of your tissue after.

• Consider Wearing a Mask

There is no vaccine for RSV, so wearing a mask can significantly slow the spread and protect babies and young children who do not yet have immunity and are too young to wear a mask themselves. Wearing a mask in indoor public places can limit the spread of germs

Consider Available Vaccinations, Boosters, and TreatmentsFlu and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be your best defense to limit severe illness and death – and you can get both at the same time. If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your doctor or a test-to-treat site immediately to seek treatment. Treatments work best when started right after symptoms begin.

Original source can be found here.