Staying Healthy

As we approach the upcoming holiday season when we tend to gather with family and friends, let's remind ourselves and our students to practice good health habits for the protection of ourselves and others. We would greatly appreciate your assistance in preventing the spread of illnesses (conjunctivitis, covid, flu, RSV, etc.)  within our Shorecrest Community.

Steps we can all take to prevent the spread of germs and to stay healthy:

• Practice good hand washing with soap & water for at least 20 seconds or hand sanitizer if soap & water not available
• Practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth & nose when coughing or sneezing into a tissue or shirt sleeve (if tissue used, dispose of it immediately after use & wash your hands)
• Keep our hands away from our mouths and eyes
• Stay home if we are exhibiting signs of illness
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat nutritious foods
• Keep well hydrated by drinking lots of water
• Manage your stress
• Stay physically active
• Stay home if sick and avoid contact with others
• Receive vaccinations if appropriate

Here are 4 common respiratory illnesses and the signs and symptoms of each.

Common Cold:

• Typically has a gradual onset of mild symptoms.
• Symptoms may include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, congestion and a mild cough.
• Fever is uncommon but can occur in children.

Influenza (Flu):

• Symptoms typically begin about two days (but can range from one to four days) after flu viruses infect a person’s respiratory tract.
• Symptoms often have a sudden and severe onset.
• May experience mild to severe illness.
• May include high fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, runny or stuffy nose, and a dry cough.
• The flu can lead to more severe complications.

COVID-19:

• Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
• Common symptoms may include fever or chills, sore throat, cough, stuffy or runny nose,muscle/ body aches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, and fatigue.
• COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory issues and has distinct long-term effects.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus):

• Usually experience mild like cold symptoms 4-6 days after being infected.
• RSV primarily affects young children and infants but can affect adults, especially the elderly.
• Symptoms are similar to a cold or flu but can include severe wheezing and difficulty breathing in children and older adults.

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