Good Afternoon HUUSD Families,
We hope that you are preparing for a safe and healthy winter holiday. In the last week, a number of our schools have seen an increase in absences from respiratory illness including those with the flu as well as flu-like symptoms.
As the holiday season is upon us, we anticipate respiratory illnesses will continue to spread among children and adults. These illnesses could include, but are not limited to flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Symptoms of respiratory diseases can include fever, headache, chills, body/muscle aches, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, and sore throat. A person may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While we have not noted a rise in cases of COVID-19 in our schools, we know that COVID-19 remains an active respiratory illness. COVID tests can be sent home with students and staff at the discretion of the school nurse. We continue to ask that families provide updated consent to test children for COVID-19. In the event your child develops symptoms at school, they can be tested at school with your consent. Please complete the following annual consent form for the school at which your child/children attend.
2022-23 COVID-19 Testing Parental Consent Forms
HUMHS Moretown Waitsfield Warren
When can your child return to school?
Your child should isolate at home for 5 days after a positive test or onset of symptoms. Your child can return to school on the 6th day provided their symptoms have improved and they have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. A fever is considered a temperature greater than 100.4º F.
Flu-like symptoms may include a sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, fever, and fatigue. Providing fever-reducing medications and hydration is important for recovery. Children should be seen by a medical provider if they have a fever greater than 104oF that is not controlled with fever-reducing medications, have difficulty drinking and are dehydrated or if they have difficulty breathing with use of chest or neck muscles.
What to do if your child gets the flu
When can your child return to school?
Your child can return to school when their symptoms have improved and they have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. Students should be free of vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. A fever is considered a temperature greater than 100.4o F.
There is no special treatment for RSV (or respiratory syncytial virus) so testing is generally not recommended. Most children with RSV will recover with home care. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and congestion. Providing fever-reducing medicines, gentle nasal suctioning, and humidification can support children through the course of illness. Children should be seen by a medical provider if they have difficulty drinking and are dehydrated or if they have difficulty breathing with use of chest or neck muscles.
When can your child return to school?
Your child can return to school when their symptoms have improved and they have had no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. A fever is considered a temperature greater than 100.4o F. If your child is uncomfortable coughing, please keep them home.
It is not too late to get vaccinated! The Vermont Department of Health is providing walk-in clinics for people to get vaccinated. Updated COVID-19 boosters are available for those ages 5 and older. Updated boosters for children under age 5 are expected to be available this week.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at walk-in clinics on the following dates/times:
Berlin (58 East View Lane)
| 12/22-12/23: | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
| 12/26-12/28: | 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
| 12/29-12/30: | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Waitsfield (4355 Main St)
| 12/23: | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
Staying home while sick, masking, and other measures can help keep others safe.
Good hand hygiene is essential:
To our entire HUUSD community, we hope you have a happy, safe holiday, and we thank you for your efforts to reduce the spread of illness in our community.
