Oregon is experiencing high levels of respiratory viruses -- especially in children -- which include RSV, influenza, colds and COVID-19. In addition, schools in our district have seen an increase in absences recently, with a significant number of families reporting student illness as the cause for those absences.
Respiratory viruses can spread rapidly, so it is important for students who are sick to stay home when they have the following symptoms:
Fever of 100.4 or greater
New or worsening cough
Vomiting and diarrhea
Headache with stiff neck or fever
New instance of difficulty breathing which is not due to a medical condition (ie; asthma)
If you have questions about when your child can return to school after an illness, please contact our office or call Health Services at 503-825-5088 for assistance.
In addition to staying home when ill, ways to combat the spread of respiratory viruses include frequent hand washing/sanitizing, disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes (using tissue or the inside of your elbow), and avoiding sharing cups/water bottles/food or drinks.
For more information on respiratory viruses and other illnesses causing outbreaks in Oregon schools (such as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease), please visit the Health Services website at https://sherwood.k12.or.us/departments/health-services/resources.
