Now that Rowan County students have returned to school, Rowan County Public Health is urging all residents to remain vigilant against illnesses that spread easily in school settings, such as COVID-19. In a release from Courtney Meece, community health manager and Healthy Rowan executive director, she shared that with the new school year beginning, the risk of illness transmission increases, and it’s crucial that our community takes proactive steps to protect the health and well-being of our children, teachers, and families.

COVID-19 continues to circulate throughout the community with the possibility of cases rising with the start of school. Other respiratory illnesses such as the flu and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) could likely rise in recent weeks as well. Schools, where large groups of children gather, are particularly susceptible to outbreaks of these and other contagious illnesses like strep throat, common colds and gastrointestinal viruses.

To mitigate the spread of illness, Rowan County Public Health recommends the following prevention strategies:

• Stay home when sick: Any student, teacher or staff member showing symptoms of illness should stay home to prevent it spreading to others.
• Hand hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is a good alternative when handwashing is not possible.
• Masking: While not currently mandated, wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas can reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
• Vaccination: Ensure that all eligible individuals are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Additionally, consider getting the flu vaccine as flu season approaches.
• Healthy habits: Promote good respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep to boost the immune system.
• Cleaning and disinfection: Schools should continue regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, desks and shared equipment.
• Monitoring for symptoms: Parents should monitor their children daily for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or fatigue, and report any concerns to their healthcare provider.
• Treatment: Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you experience COVID-19 symptoms to explore early treatment options, which can reduce the severity of symptoms, lower the risk of complications, and potentially speed recovery with available antiviral medications.
• Test if you experience symptoms: If you experience symptoms, even if they are mild, get tested as soon as possible using at-home rapid tests. Free at home test kits are available at the Rowan County Public Health Department.

Layering prevention strategies is particularly important when respiratory viruses are widespread in your community, when you or those around you have risk factors for severe illness, or when someone has recently been exposed, is currently sick, or is in the process of recovering.

If you test position, the CDC recommends staying home and avoiding contact with others until your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

Once these conditions are met, take additional precautions for the next five days to ensure you are not spreading illness to others.

As we navigate this school year, Rowan County Public Health remains committed to providing the latest guidance and resources to keep our community safe. We encourage everyone to stay informed, stay cautious and do their part in preventing the spread of illnesses.

For more information, visit the Rowan County Public Health website at rowancountync.gov or contact them directly at 980-432-1800.