Respiratory
Illnesses and Schools
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Each year, millions of people become ill due to respiratory
illnesses. Some of the more common respiratory illnesses in schools
may include influenza, pertussis, and the common cold. The common
cold can be caused by many viruses including enteroviruses, one
strain of which (EV-D68) is responsible for several outbreaks in the
United States in 2014. Schools should be aware of these illnesses,
how to prevent them, and what is reportable.
Diseases:
Influenza is
a viral illness characterized by a fever with a cough and/or sore
throat. Everyone is at risk for influenza, but certain individuals
are at higher risk of serious complications.
Pertussis
is a bacterial illness characterized by coughing fits and paroxysm
which may lead to vomiting or gagging.
Common colds
can be caused by many different disease agents, but are usually
characterized by cough, runny nose, sneezing and sore throat.
What schools can
do:
Promote
vaccination among students and staff. Influenza and Pertussis
are both vaccine preventable diseases, and high vaccination rates
can reduce transmission within schools.
Stay home if
you are sick. This applies to both students and staff.
Influenza –
individuals should stay home until 24 hours after fever resolves
without the use of fever reducing medications.
Pertussis –
individuals should stay home until they have competed 5 days of
antibiotics.
Colds –
there is no standardized recommendation for returning during/after
a cold. Individuals with colds are typically infectious for 4-7
days after symptoms begin.
Promote good
respiratory hygiene. Encourage students and staff to cough into
their sleeve, or tissues rather than hands. Dispose of used tissues
in wastebaskets. Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
Alcohol based hand gel is NOT effective against
enteroviruses.
Increase
environmental cleaning. Frequently clean high touch surfaces,
like door knobs, desks, and light switches.
What to report:
Outbreaks.
All outbreaks are reportable in Maine. In a school, an outbreak is
defined as ≥15% absenteeism when the majority of individuals out
are due to illness. Outbreaks should be reported through MEDMS.
Pertussis
should be reported to Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821
For more
information:
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