As another school year rolls around and children start heading back to class, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a source of concern. The rise of the COVID-19 delta variant and an increase in case numbers means that vaccinations, testing and masking are still a part of our day-to-day lives.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has given nation-wide guidance on how kids, parents and staff can return to school in the safest manner possible. Vaccinations for everyone aged 12 and older is the single best way we can keep ourselves safe but what about kids under the age of 12 that can’t get vaccinated?
Here are some steps that parents can use to help keep unvaccinated children safe at school
- Masking – The CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all children aged 2 and older. Masks are also recommended for staff and teachers regardless of vaccination status.
- Social distancing – Social distancing of at least 3 feet of distance between students within classrooms to reduce transmission risk is recommended.
- Follow school guidelines on screening and testing – Some schools may use testing to help track cases of COVID-19. If so, follow the testing policy closely.
- Good hand hygiene -Continue to encourage regular hand washing or the use of alcohol to clean hands when appropriate.
- Outdoor activities – Remember, outdoor activities are safer than indoor ones. However, as the weather gets colder and children head indoors, look at your school district policy about the use of well ventilated-rooms.
- Informal after-school events or get togethers – Use your own judgement and understanding of your local COVID-19 situation to determine if your child’s after school activities will include a large number of unvaccinated individuals. If so, consider the risks and benefits of your child’s attendance there.
Closer to home, encourage all close contacts of your children -those aged twelve and older (eg. siblings, cousins, family members, friends) to get vaccinated. Providing this protection around kids will make the home environment safer.
Remember, it is not just one single action that will help protect those who are vulnerable and unable to get vaccinated. It is many small actions used together that will keep children as safe as possible.
Steps to take if you suspect your child has COVID-19 or has come into contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19.
Be aware that unimmunized children can catch COVID-19 from anyone (adults or other children) who have COVID-19. Those infected with COVID-19 may have no symptoms at all. You cannot tell who is contagious. If you suspect your child may have COVID-19 the following applies:
- Stay at home – Students, teachers, and staff should stay home when they have signs of any infectious illness.
- Inform your child’s school, childcare facilities, and other caregivers that your child may have COVID-19.
- Follow school policy about what steps parent’s should follow if they suspect their child has COVID-19.
- Where recommended, consider arranging COVID-19 testing for your child. This will only be required in some circumstances, not all.
- Contact your child’s doctor if you notice any of the symptoms below or a worsening of symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children
Most children who are infected with COVID-19 will not have any obvious symptoms of infection. In the majority of cases, a COVID-19 test is the only way to confirm that a child has the infection. However, when symptoms do appear these are generally
- Fever or chills
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
Seek immediate medical help if your child develops serious or concerning symptoms of COVID-19 such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
As we start off this school year, we hope all parents are able to send their kids back to school with confidence. Use the steps above as a short guide to help achieve that.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html
Emergency in Houston?
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
