Back to school means buying new school supplies, checking to see if last year’s sneakers still fit, and waiting in line. after school care. Now is also a good time to make sure you are up to date with the latest news regarding COVID-19. Back to school is usually the preamble to cold and flu season, and COVID unfortunately remains a threat on the viral radar. But, with a few precautions and careful attention to the latest recommendations, it is possible to contain COVID infections and keep missed school days to a minimum.
“Even though we don’t want to keep talking about it, COVID-19 is still with us,” says Dr Christina Johns, pediatric emergency physician and senior medical advisor at PM Pediatric Care. “We should always expect it to come and go, and we should always be prepared to address it appropriately if our family is affected.” »
Here’s a look at the latest official COVID guidance and what medical experts recommend to keep children (and their families, teachers, and caregivers) safe and healthy as the new school year approaches.
Is COVID still dangerous?
Here’s the good news: As we approach the 2023-2024 school year, COVID is no longer classified as an emergency. In May, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the fight against COVID-19 over. international public health emergency. The United States also ended the federal public health emergency. Additionally, many precautions taken in the COVID era, such as the requirement to wear a mask, have been rolled back.
Despite these positive developments, experts emphasize that the end of COVID as a public health emergency is not the same as the end of the pandemic. At a press conference in May, WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that COVID continues to claim thousands of lives each month and that “the risk remains of new variants emerging that cause further increases in cases and deaths.”
Vaccines and other public health measures have improved health outcomes for many people, but the long-term impacts of COVID are still under investigation. COVID is associated with persistent neurological problems, joint and muscle pain, heart problems and even diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, research suggests that between a month and a year after contracting COVID-19, one in five people ages 18 to 64 have at least one health problem that could be due to the virus.
Children account for more than 15 million COVID diagnoses in the United States since the start of the pandemic, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (PAA). Although COVID is thought to be less serious in children, a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics found that one in five children experience prolonged COVID symptoms months after infection. Fortunately, experts say there are many precautions parents can take to prevent COVID infections and keep their children healthy throughout the upcoming school year.
What are the symptoms of COVID parents should know about?
Although new variants of the virus continue to circulate, Johns says the most common symptoms of COVID have remained largely the same since the pandemic began. She advises parents to pay attention to:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Stomach ache.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste and/or smell.
There are other, rarer symptoms that may also appear. In some cases, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that children are developing conjunctivitis, or pink eye, following COVID-19 infection. THE Mayo Clinic also lists unexplained rashes, as well as swelling or discoloration of the fingers and toes, as possible symptoms of the virus.
COVID symptoms may not be the same for all children, Johns says. It is also possible that some children with COVID will not show any symptoms. “There is a wide range of severity of symptoms,” she explains. “Some children have intense symptoms, while others have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. »
How do I know if my child should stay home from school?
Keeping children home when they are sick is a major way to prevent the spread of infections at school. In general, pediatricians recommend keep children at home after school or daycare whenever they show any of the following signs of illness:
- Fever greater than 100.4 degrees.
- Persistent cough and/or congestion.
- Rashes, blisters, or sores that spread.
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.
- Sore throat.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste and/or smell.
Johns says children who have COVID symptoms should stay home from school and be tested for virus. Those who test positive for COVID should stay home and away from others for at least five days from the onset of symptoms, according to the latest report. CDC Recommendations.
How to test children for COVID-19
If children have symptoms of COVID or have been exposed to someone else who has tested positive, parents and guardians can administer either an at-home COVID antigen test or a chain reaction test by polymerase (PCR), available in many doctor’s offices and pharmacies.
If you use an at-home antigen test, be aware that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends testing more than once to avoid false negatives. The testing guidelines are as follows:
- If a COVID test is positive, the result is most likely accurate and isolation should begin.
- If a COVID test is negative but symptoms are present, a second test should be administered 48 hours after the first.
- If a child has no symptoms but has been exposed to COVID, they should also be tested at least twice within a 48-hour period.
During the testing period, people with COVID symptoms should avoid contact with others to prevent transmission of the virus. “If there are symptoms consistent with a COVID-19 infection, staying home and away from others is the right thing to do,” Johns says.
If you have questions about COVID test results or whether your children can go to school, Johns recommends contacting your child’s pediatrician.
Does my child need a COVID booster shot?
COVID vaccines are an important step in preventing the worst symptoms and side effects of the virus, but messaging around vaccination remains confusing. You may be wondering if my child really needs a booster shot and when is the best time to get vaccinated?
THE most up-to-date COVID vaccination available is the monovalent booster XBB.1.5 which was authorized this fall. Currently, the The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older who does not have contraindications should receive the updated vaccine.
If you have questions about the updated COVID vaccine or if your child has recently had a COVID infection, Johns says you can check with your child’s pediatrician about the best time to get them vaccinated.
Does my child have to wear a mask at school?
Mandatory masks are no longer in place in many parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean masks are no longer useful. The CDC recommends wearing a well-fitted, high-quality face mask if:
- You live in an area with high infection and hospitalization rates.
- You are at high risk of getting very sick.
- You have a household or social contact who is at high risk of getting sick.
Masks are also recommended on public transportation, and the CDC says masks may be beneficial for anyone wanting additional protection in indoor public settings. While most schools no longer require masks, Johns says they are a useful tool to help prevent transmission of the virus during peak periods of illness, such as at the start of the school year or during the season colds and flu. “Masks never hurt, and wearing one during high-risk infection times is a good way to reduce risk,” says Johns.
How can I prevent COVID during the school year?
In addition to making strategic use of masks to prevent COVID infections, parents can also offer their children a reminder on how to protect yourself from illnessJohns said.
Last year, flu rates and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) increased with COVID-19 cases. Encouraging children to take precautions and practice good hygiene can potentially help prevent a host of illnesses and missed school days. To help children stay healthy, Johns advises:
- Check community infection rates in your area, if available.
- Review hand hygiene (the UK National Health Service has even published a song about hand washing suitable for children).
- Remind children not to share food or drinks with other people.
- Encourage children to give others their personal space.
“The key is to be flexible and adapt to each situation,” says Johns. She also recommends staying up to date with the latest CDC guidelines and turning to your child’s pediatrician whenever you have questions.
COVID may continue to be a part of children’s lives for many years, but with trusted advice from experts and a few extra precautions, it is possible to have a productive and healthy return to the classroom.