Cold and flu season is upon us! An important reminder for all FRCS families and staff: Please stay home if you are sick.
According to the Center for Disease control (CDC): The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu.
1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
4. Clean your hands.Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
The CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health also recommend the updated COVID-19 vaccine all individuals 5 years and older, regardless of whether you have been previously vaccinated or not. Find a vaccine location near you.
Every U.S. household can receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Go to https://www.covid.gov/tests to order your free tests.
Parents and guardians, please note that if the school is contacting you due to illness while your child is at school, you are expected to pick your child up within the hour, or as soon as possible to limit the potential spread of illness to others.
Thank you for helping to keep the FRCS community healthy and safe!