Dear Worcester Public Schools Families and Staff,
The Worcester Public Schools Nursing Department wishes all our families a healthy and joyous holiday season. As we enter the peak of the winter months, we want to partner with you to keep our students, staff, and community safe and healthy.
The cold and flu season requires a collective effort. By focusing on vaccination, hygiene, and making smart “stay-at-home” choices when necessary, we can minimize disruptions to learning and keep our classrooms and schools healthy.
Key Prevention Strategies
Vaccination: The annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness.
Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based sanitizer.
Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Disinfecting: Routinely clean high-touch surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, and phones.
No Sharing: Remind students not to share drinks, utensils, or water bottles.
When to Keep Your Child Home
To prevent the spread of illness, students should remain home if they are symptomatic. Children must be fever-free (under 100.4°F) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Model Healthy Habits: Teach and practice proper handwashing and cough etiquette.
Sanitize Belongings: Periodically disinfect backpacks, lunchboxes, and frequently touched household items.
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for sudden onset of fever, body aches, persistent cough, or sore throat.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consult your medical provider if symptoms worsen or become severe, including high fever that won’t break, difficulty breathing, or extreme lethargy.
By working together, we can reduce the spread of illness and ensure a healthier school environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in keeping our students, staff, and community safe this season.
Sincerely,
The Worcester Public Schools Nursing Department