Not your average flu season, simple steps to protect yourself and others

En Español

As you may have heard, this year’s flu season is worse than normal due to the large amount of flu, especially flu type A, circulating in our schools and community. Along with flu, our local health agencies are also reporting other illness increases in schools and childcare settings including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pertussis (whooping cough), COVID, and norovirus (that nasty stomach bug).

Reminder: If you haven’t gotten your flu shot, it’s not too late. You can make an appointment at your local public health department, local pharmacy or healthcare provider’s office. Flu shots are typically offered at no cost with most health insurance plans. It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider to see if there are additional immunizations you should receive.

Not sure what bug you’ve got?
This quick check resource can help students, parents and staff sort out the symptoms of each: Is it Allergies, Cold, Flu, COVID or RSV.

Children’s Hospital Colorado has more detailed  information on symptoms, duration and treatment options here:  The Difference Between COVID-19, Cold, Flu and Other Bugs Affecting Kids

If your child is showing any of these signs it is important to contact your health provider:

• Any complications such as an earache, sinus pain or pressure, or develop a fever after the first two or three days.
• Any fever lasting more than 3 days.
• Your child is drinking much less or not urinating (peeing)
• The cough lasts more than 3 weeks.

While catching an illness in a school or work setting is sometimes unavoidable, there are a few simple things you can do to do your best to keep yourself and others healthy.

Good hand and respiratory hygiene

• Cover your cough
• Dispose of tissues immediately
• Wash or sanitize your hands

Stay home when sick
Of course, when you come down with symptoms of an illness, it is best to stay home, so that you have the rest needed to recover, as well as avoiding getting others sick. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: How Sick is Too Sick? Guidelines are very helpful.

1. Please stay home if sick  
   • At least 24 hrs after you’ve had a fever, vomiting or diarrhea (resolved without medications)
   • If you have multiple symptoms such as coughing, congestion, aches, sore throat - stay home until those symptoms start to improve
   • Follow the school guidelines for returning - this is for students AND staff
      
2. Get tested when necessary
   • Testing is available for:
     • COVID
     • Flu
     • RSV
   • Contact your healthcare provider for information on testing options

For more information and resources about health in schools, visit the BVSD Health Services webpage.