From the School Nurse: Staying Healthy This Fall

As we move into the fall season, illness tends to spread more easily—especially in busy school settings. The following preventive steps will support a healthy learning environment for students and staff throughout the school year.

Healthy Habits to Prevent the Spread of Illness

• Cover coughs and sneezes: Teach and reinforce covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow and dispose of tissues in the trash.
•  Avoid sharing food and drinks: Remind students not to share beverages, utensils, or food.'
• Keep hands away from the face: Refrain from touching the eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce germ spread.
• Wash hands often: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 second.
• Use hand sanitizer: When soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay home when sick: Encourage students and staff to stay home if they are feeling unwell to prevent spreading infections.
• Stay home if you have a temperature of 100.0 degrees F or higher.
• Consider masks: In higher-risk situations, schools may implement mask use (such as N95 respirators) to reduce transmission.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations: Encourage everyone to maintain current immunizations as recommended.