Back-to-school season for many is an exciting time for children to reconnect with friends, meet new ones, and experience opportunities for growth and learning.
Munson Healthcare says it’s also a time when germs spread and take advantage of young people in enclosed indoor settings and regain footholds during the fall and winter as colder temperatures arrive. With COVID-19 cases on the rise and germs more prevalent, Munson Healthcare is reminding our communities how to prevent the spread of germs and stay on top of any signs of illness.
Munson Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer, Jennifer Standfest, shares that hand hygiene and up-to-date vaccinations continue to be key strategies to keep certain viruses in check in children and adults. “Proper handwashing, as well as covering coughs and sneezes, are important ways to keep viruses from spreading from classrooms to home environments,” she said. “We are also urging community members to stay home if you are sick. Sometimes, symptoms experienced by a relatively healthy individual are minor, but could be devastating if spread to individuals in the community who are chronically ill or in high-risk categories – such as older adults or infants.”
Munson Healthcare shared the following guidance on the uptick in Covid cases locally:
- Munson Healthcare reminds people to stay home if you are sick and follow national Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
- We recommend people test at home and those can be found at your local pharmacy.
- Up to four (4) free COVID tests will be available to order via COVIDtests.gov, but not until late-September as flu, COVID, and RSV season begins to ramp up.
- The symptoms for COVID-19 have not changed but sore throat, runny nose, and cough seem to be more common this season.
Additionally, Standfest reminded people of the following tips:
- Research shows that handwashing with soap and water is the simplest and best way to deal with germs and avoid getting sick. Students should wash their hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing their nose or sneezing.
- If a child needs to cough or sneeze, teach them to cough into a tissue or into an elbow if a tissue is not available. They should wash their hands after coughing.
- A healthy lifestyle can prevent or minimize many common illnesses. This includes a healthy diet with fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of water. Kids and adults should also prioritize getting a good night’s sleep.
- Parents should check with their child’s provider to ensure vaccinations are up to date and schedule an appointment if they are not.
As the school season unfolds, Standfest advises parents to first contact their provider with any non-emergent issues that arise.
“For any non-life-threatening situation or question about your child, always start with your pediatrician or primary care provider since they know you and your child the best,” Standfest said. “They can help direct you to an urgent care or virtual urgent care if that is needed. And the Emergency Room is always there for true emergencies.”
Munson Healthcare continues to offer its Ask-A-Nurse service for those who need help determining the appropriate place for care, too. Munson’s Free Ask-A-Nurse line is available 24/7 at: 231-935-0951.