Rockland Public Schools

Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of illness in our student population at the moment.

Norovirus is a highly contagious intestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Illness usually lasts two to three days and happens after contact with infected surfaces or people. Norovirus can live on surfaces for days or weeks. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus. Handwashing with soap and water is essential.

Flu is also a virus that causes fever (temp over 100), muscle aches, headache, cough, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue. It is not too late to get a flu vaccination this year. It may not prevent an infection, but can reduce the severity of symptoms.

RSV is a respiratory infection causing low grade fever, dry cough, congested or runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and headache. RSV can be serious in young children, elderly and those who are immune compromised.

Covid symptoms include fever and chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, muscle soreness and aches, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, and sore throat.We have covid tests available at school and are happy to send them home with your students if you wish.

Rockland Public Schools follow Massachusetts guidelines for staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Keep your student home if they have any of the following:

Fever: A fever of 100 F or higher. Children may return to school when fever-free for 24 hours (WITHOUT use of fever reducing medications).

Vomiting/diarrhea: Any unexplained vomiting episode. May return 24 hours after the last episode. Diarrhea which is three or more unexplained episodes of watery or loose stools in 24 hours. May return 24 hours after the last episode.

Cough: Serious, sustained coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

What to do if someone in your home is sick with vomiting and/or diarrhea:

• Isolate them and have as little contact as possible.

• Wear gloves to clean up after them and then wash your hands.

• Take trash outside to avoid contact.

• Wash your hands with soap and water after contact. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus.

• Continuous small sips of sports drinks to help prevent dehydration.

• Reintroduce a mild diet when able. Think BRAT - bananas, rice, applesauce, toast

• Wash laundry in hot water and dry at highest heat setting

• Seek medical attention if they become dehydrated or dizzy

Typically, treatment is to manage the symptoms with fever and pain reducing medication, cough suppressant or decongestant, ensure hydration, and rest. Contact your primary care physician for guidance.

The best ways to protect yourself are:

• Clean high touch areas (doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, bathroom fixtures) with sanitizing wipes or bleach solution.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water - before eating, after getting home from an outing, etc. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus.

• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose.