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Respiratory Illness including COVID-19

 

COVID-19 and Respiratory Illness

 
Due to broad immunity from COVID-19 from vaccination and/or natural infection and readily available therapeutics, COVID-19 has transitioned to an endemic stage, resembling other common respiratory viruses such as RSV and the flu. Throughout the pandemic, we have acquired valuable tools and practices to protect our health and the health of those around us. Testing and masking are vital tools that we can all use to protect ourselves and those around us.

In accordance with guidance from the California Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control:

If you have COVID-19 or another respiratory virus (Flu, RSV, etc.)

Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.

While you have symptoms from COVID-19 or other respiratory virus:
  • Staff and students with COVID-19 or other respiratory virus must stay home and away from others if symptomatic and/or with fever.
  • Early return is allowed if the following criteria are met for at least 24 hours:
    • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
    • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
 
When you go back to normal activities:
  • Take additional precautions for 5 days such as wearing a well-fitted mask, practicing good hygiene, and physical distancing when possible
  • You may still be able to spread the virus during this time, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
  • If you develop a fever or feel worse during this time, stay home and away from others again until your symptoms are getting better and you have not had a fever and are not using fever reducing medications for at least 24 hours. You should then take additional precautions described above for 5 days.
 
People with COVID-19 Who DO NOT HAVE Symptoms but test positive for COVID-19 should follow guidelines for return to normal activities, described above.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and afterward, Kern High School District has adjusted to the changing conditions of this virus. We will continue to align with public health recommendations and educate our schools and communities about how to stay safe and healthy during high transmission of respiratory viruses.

Resources:
California Department of Public Health TK-12 School Guidance: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Schools/TK-12-Guidance.aspx

Centers for Disease Control Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick:
https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html