Influenza and RSV
Recent cold and flu seasons have 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. As a reminder, please do not send your child to school if they are feeling sick. Keeping your sick child home will be a great benefit for the health and wellness of all of our students and staff. Also, reach out to your child’s medical provider to ensure your student is up-to-date on vaccinations.
What Symptoms to Look For
The flu, COVID-19 and RSV can have similar symptoms. RSV is a virus causing respiratory illness in young children. It is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in children under 1 year of age. Symptoms in most children and adults resemble a cold and begin with fever*, runny nose, cough, and sometimes wheezing. In very young children, and particularly with premature infants, symptoms may include lethargy, irritability, poor feeding, and breathing difficulty. Most children recover from illness in 8 to 15 days.
Additional Resources for Families
RSV Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet
Protect Your Family from the Flu
Protect Your Family from the Flu (Spanish)