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McMeen Elementary
Response to Increased Rates of RSV in Colorado
10/31/22, 10:44 AM
Good Morning McMeen Families and Happy Monday,
Many of you may have already heard/seen on the news that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pediatric hospitalization related to RSV, is on the rise in Colorado. RSV is a very common respiratory illness that tends to increase in community spread during the fall/winter months. In older children and adults, RSV often presents as a "common cold" and usually resolves without any health complication. However, due to the tenacity of the mucus produced in the lungs, RSV can lead to serious illness in younger children due to the small, narrow size of their airways and their inability to clear their airways. RSV can also become a more serious illness in individuals with asthma.
Because of this rise in RSV rates, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has made a change to their "How Sick is Too Sick?" document. This document is what DPS recommends staff and families refer to when they are trying to determine if they need to stay home from work/school. The previous recommendation for RSV (and croup) on this document indicated that the staff/child does not need to stay home with RSV/Croup as long as the individual is fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medications.
The new recommendation for RSV and Croup is that, YES, the staff/student MUST stay home while they are sick with RSV/Croup until they are feeling better and do not have a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. If a staff member/student continues to struggle with RSV/Croup symptoms, for 3 days or longer, it is advised that there be a follow-up with a medical provider before returning to school.
To review the updated CDPHE "How Sick is Too Sick?" document, please click on the link below.
Thank You and Stay Safe!
Nurse Miriam
