Dear Parent/Guardian/Staff:
We have been monitoring an increase in respiratory illness in the community. We recommend the following measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illness in the schools:
Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
Vaccination is the single best way to protect you and your family against specific respiratory illnesses.
Everyone aged six months and older is recommended to get:
A current influenza (flu) vaccine
A current COVID-19 vaccine
Some older adults are eligible to get a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). They should discuss this with a healthcare provider.
Stay home when sick and get treatment if eligible
Individuals should stay home from school until, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
Their symptoms are getting better overall, and
They are fever-free for a full 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
Individuals with flu or COVID-19 who are at increased risk for severe illness should contact a healthcare provider right away to see if treatment is right for them.
Practice good hygiene and environmental cleaning practices
Cover mouth and nose with disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing or use your upper sleeve, but do not cough or sneeze into your hands.
Wash hands often with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds especially before and after eating, after using the restroom, after coughing/sneezing, and before and after caring for someone who is ill. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol.
Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or other personal items (e.g., lip balm, cosmetics).
Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces (e.g., toys, doorknobs, telephones)
Take Steps for Cleaner Air
Increase ventilation by bringing in fresh outside air to help minimize the spread of germs in enclosed spaces.
For more information please visit:
If you have specific medical questions about yourself or your child, please contact your/your child’s doctor. For general questions about respiratory illnesses, please contact
Travis Oishi:
MPH, Epidemiologist with the Central Shenandoah Health District, at (540)-332-7830 – select option 1 and ask to speak with Epidemiology.
Dana Farrar:
WPS Head Nurse, at dfarrar@waynesboro.k12.va.us or by calling 540-946-4600, Ext. 8154 or your school’s nurse.
Thank you for your cooperation.