As numerous illnesses swirl through the community, including norovirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Dothan City Schools (DCS) said it’s crucial for parents to be proactive in ensuring sick children stay home to avoid infecting others.
Keeping sick children home from school is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness, according to Blair Peterman, DCS Director of Health Services.
Norovirus is one of the most common diseases going around schools now. It’s more commonly known as the stomach flu. Symptoms typically last one to three days and include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Though norovirus is not related to the flu, it is highly contagious and can spread even after a person begins to feel better.
In addition to norovirus, influenza (the flu) is widespread in Alabama. The flu can cause a variety of symptoms in children, including fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Parents should consult their child’s doctor for treatment.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also affecting children in the area. RSV is a common cause of respiratory illness in children and primarily impacts the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces. RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and congestion. It tends to peak in Alabama during January.
Peterman emphasized that children should stay home if they have a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, are vomiting, or experiencing consistent diarrhea. Additionally, students with a persistent cough or runny nose should be evaluated by a doctor before returning to school. For children showing respiratory symptoms, wearing a mask is recommended to help reduce the transmission of illness.
“We want a healthy learning environment for all our students,” said Peterman. “Parents play a vital role in helping keep our schools safe. By keeping sick children at home, they can help stop the spread of viruses and protect other students and staff members.”
Along with keeping sick children home, parents should teach children to wash their hands frequently, cover their coughs, and avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils. It’s also important to ensure that children are dressed warmly for school, as proper layering can help them adjust to fluctuating temperatures throughout the day. Regular washing of jackets, hats, gloves, and other outerwear is also encouraged.
Hand sanitizer is available in classrooms across the district, and students who are feeling unwell at school can visit the nurse for an evaluation.
