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    Tips for Staying Well

    Coronavirus in the News – Cold and Flu Season – When to Keep Your Child Home

    You may have seen in the news or on social media that Washington state has had one confirmed case of coronavirus. We know this kind of news is worrisome to families, and in this case, many of the early symptoms may appear much like the flu. 

    While it is a serious illness, the Washington State Department of Health considers it a low risk to the public at this time. However, flu season is definitely here and we ask that if your child is sick, please keep them at home. If you're not sure whether or not to keep your child home, review the information available on our "Too Sick for School" webpage. 

    Ways to protect yourself and your family from colds and flu are to ensure everyone has a flu shot, wash hands thoroughly, drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest and stay home when ill. Learn more tips for staying well on the Health Services section of the LWSD website.

    The District is actively monitoring this situation and is in contact with the Washington State Department of Health. We will communicate more information should the State Department of Health provide an update affecting schools.

    Additional Resources:

    Ways to help prevent illness and keep students healthy

    There are a number of practices that will reduce the chances of getting sick and spreading germs to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands often.

    Hand-washing
    Germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth. The CDC recommends vigorous scrubbing of the hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, then rinsing with clear water and drying with a clean towel.

    Other tips:

    • Don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or personal items. Sharing items creates a potential of transmitting germs and becoming sick.
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue into a waste basket. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water.
    • Stay home when you are sick. Don’t pass your germs to someone else.
    • Contact your doctor. If you think you have influenza, or another severe illness, contact your health care provider.
    A nurse teaching a student to sneeze into her sleeve.