Stay Healthy During Winter Break
Posted:
Summary: During the colder months, we encourage our community to take the following steps to limit the spread of RSV and other respiratory illnesses.
Tips for a Healthy Return to School in January
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) supports student and staff health throughout the school year. This fall, Seattle has seen a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, leading to an increase in hospital admissions. The illness generally causes mild, cold-like symptoms in young children but can be serious in some cases.
During the colder months, we encourage our community to take the following steps to limit the spread of illnesses such as the flu, cold, RSV, and COVID-19.
Stop Germs, Stay Healthy
Feeling sick? Anyone feeling ill should stay home.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when unable to wash hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm, not your hand.
- Consider wearing a mask. Public Health—Seattle & King County officials recommend wearing masks when around others indoors.
- Get vaccinated. Vaccines and boosters are the best protection against illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19.
- Test for COVID-19. Even if you test negative, it’s important to follow Department of Health guidance and stay home if you are experiencing symptoms. Please be sure to test for COVID-19 before and after travel.
Remember, please continue to protect school communities by testing for COVID-19 before and after travel and follow the CDC’s recommendations for mask wearing. More information is available on the SPS COVID-19 Response webpage.
Vaccine Clinics
Find resources to locate vaccine clinics in our area. Please visit the SPS vaccine clinic webpage for more information.
