While the flu season hasn’t started yet, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit reminds you that we can expect more respiratory illnesses as students head back to school.
Federal health officials have also been warning that the school year and cooler weather lead to more indoor gatherings, which can speed up the spread of COVID-19, colds, and flu.
Even if you’re sure your child has a cold or the sniffles, Thunder Bay’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille says it’s still important to screen daily for COVID-19 symptoms before school.
“The screening tool really focuses on symptoms that are very predictive of COVID,” she points out. “So, if you have any one of those symptoms, you should isolate and not go to school, or daycare or childcare for example, and get tested.”
DeMille says some symptoms, like a runny nose, are no longer considered a red flag for COVID-19 screening tools that students will use.
She reminds you that children with any respiratory illness should stay home until they feel better to avoid spreading a cold or flu through their daycare or school.
